Ah, San....you are sweet!

It's not quite as shiny IRL of course. There was a bit of flash action there - afternoon light is fading these days.

I hope you will get your jacket out again and have some fun with it! Angie may have started or revived a trend!

I love it. The fit is great and so is the length. I don't mind the sleeves, but you know that I like slightly too long sleeves on my jackets - these actually seem just right to me, since you can still see your hands.

As for styling, I think my moto goes with everything, but I don't generally wear high necklines or buttoned up collars. So I guess maybe you should try a lower neckline? I love mine over dresses with boots as well. Closed jacket is easier with a dress or a long tunic-length top, while open jacket goes with pretty much everything.

I think it looks fantastic and it is worth looking into shortening the sleeves to see what is possible and for how much. It is such a great look for you!

Gosh, the fit looks fab, but the sleeve length would be a deal-breaker for me, especially if you say it's uncomfortable. I think with a purchase this big, you need perfection (or something very close to it).

ETA: In looking at the pics again (especially the back view), is it too snug through the back? It looks like it's wrinkling, but maybe that's just the flash playing tricks or something? Suz, have you looked at Zara's other leather jackets?

I'm.... on the fence. It fits you wonderfully and is flattering... but are these outfits the style direction in which you were looking to go? From the other threads, and the previous jacket picks, I'm feeling just a tad confused on what the goal is with this jacket.

FWIW, I think I would like it best on you worn with your classic items - like bootcut or straightleg jeans with the Brooks Brothers shirt. With the boyfriends and the combat boots, it looks much trendier and masculine than I am used to from you.

I love it on you. I do think that the scrunching works if you can keep them scrunched! I think this would be a fun item to play with!

Wow.

This is AMAZING on you. Only you can decide whether the sleeves are going to drive you batty. I would think that Moto's are common enough that you could hold out for the PERFECT one, if they are really going to bug you. But you are definitely ON TO SOMETHING with this look.

Rae, I didn't really consider these "outfits." I wasn't trying to style the jacket, just to try it on with a couple of things and see how it fit and felt. As I did so, I realized that I really had no IDEA how to style such a thing!

So I guess if I keep it I am going to need some help in that department. And some practice. Low necklines do not feature much in my wardrobe because they aren't too flattering to me on the whole. So this will be one hurdle.

For the record, Jonesy, as leather jackets go, this one is inexpensive. http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....R%20JACKET

Hey so can I ask my question again - how do you feel? Because Rae has hit on what I wanted to know. Do you see this as taking you in your intended style direction? I'd love it to be the case but haven't heard this aspect from you...

I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I'm on the fence, as amazing as the jacket is. Express has some faux leather jackets in softer colors like "sand" and "clay" right now, and I'm imagining those on you. Just a thought.

I love it! No problem there. I mean I would love it if the arms weren't bothering me.

True, it's a bit of a stretch for me. Daughter says,"It's too tight and shiny." (Note, it's not as shiny IRL as in the pics.) Hubs says: "Talk about trying to look younger than you are..."

I take this to mean they are not thrilled with it.

But that doesn't bother me. They often say stuff like that at first when I try something new.

If I could figure out how to style it (a big "if" at this point!) it seems to me it would add some of the edge I would like.

Do I feel like I still want some simpler, more streamlined, avant-garde kinds of pieces. Absolutely. But they don't have to take the form of a leather jacket. At least not this year.

And two kinds of jacket (or, in my case, 20 kinds of jacket) can happily live in the same wardrobe. I think?

This jacket doesn't seem inconsistent with what I was talking about before - at least not to me. There's a lot more detailing, true - but it's a real classic that happens to incorporate a high collar, fitted waist, and strong asymmetrical lines -- all of which are super for me and feel completely, totally, easily "right."

Doesn't this fit in with the "urban" part of my various rubrics?

I'm curious as to why it doesn't seem to fit?

Ali - yes - the Express one is the one Claire has, and I really like it, too, and it was/is under consideration. I didn't intend to get a black jacket and can see the potential problems with black for me. So thank you for your thoughts on that.

Hmmm. Well...I don't have to decide immediately - still some time for returns!

Before reading other comments, OMG 12 is so ridiculously cute!! I have the same problem with sleeves. I would just scrunch, turn, enjoy the coverage outside, whatever. The alternative would be to look for a sleeve with no detail that is more easily shortened or to look for an elastic cuff, but you know what? I like to think of slightly long sleeves as a look I believe Buffy the vampire slayer was big on it, actually. I think the coat looks a little snug from the back when closed, but that is usually the case for a very fitted coat. In cases like that I usually leave it open, unless I am caught unawares and chilly, and then I just close it anyway to be practical. OK, now to see what everyone else said.

ETA: I see the sleeves are really going to bug you. I would definitely price an alteration then and decide.

Not so much seeing it as inconsistent as feeling I was a bit confused on the direction you wanted to go. If this is it, I get it completely, believe me! If not, I was going to ask why not - just so I can stay on track here!

I like the cropped with long sleeves - to me, it's cheeky, the same way boyfriend jeans are.

You remind me of my beautiful friend and colleague, who wears moto jackets all the time. She is beautiful, elegant, she is 47, and she wears them with skinnies, scarves, shirts and sweaters. She's got a slender frame, like you. In other words, I think you look very beautiful in this jacket! The sleeves are long, yes, but the look is good. I understand this isn't always practical, but can you live with it? I actually think the crop looks better when the sleeves are longer, if you understand what I mean. The proportions are altered with shorter sleeves, and that makes the jacket look a little to small.

I think a moto, combined with classic garments the way Rae suggested, is very urban, classic and a very suitable look for a grown up woman, and it is definitely a step in the right direction for you. YES!

I'm not familiar with your style or goals but this looks great, except for the sleeves. Have yo asked Angie for scrunching tips? It is hard to find cropped motos it seems. They seem to hit the high hip so if you could get it to work that would be great. I don't love the back zipped but being a light jacket you probably won't wear it in really cold weather without a coat.

I love it so much I think I will try one on. I hope you don't mind:) I think I have long arms.

Elle, I think it would look great on you! Go for it!

That's what the YLF sisterhood is for. We get a lot of great shopping tips from each other.

When Angie has time, I know she'll pop in with her words of wisdom. She is rushed off her feet right now! Her busiest time of year.

Suz, your jacket is fabulous. Regarding the sleeves, I think there is a certain style with motos, to wear the sleeves long over the hands, when the moto is meant to be worn outdoors. But if this moto is thin and to be mostly worn indoors, then look for having the sleeves altered. It's worth it even if it's a bit more $$, because you'll be wearing it all the time indoors and out after this.
If, however, you intend this jacket to be worn outdoors, then it may be worth getting one size up so that you have room for a thicker sweater underneath.

Also: I myself own a couple of leather motos and jackets (from living in Morocco, hi!hi!); I have found that in order to be worn outdoors in our climate, one needs a thin core shell underneath. You can find this at stores like Atmosphere, MEC or Expedition etc., and these cores are not the cheapest. However, if you chose one that is very form fitting, in a XS, it will be your best fashion friend, especially for wearing cool jackets longer into the season. Because they provide insulation and warmth, it makes a huge difference. Core shells are sold too quickly and XS are rare so don't wait until the weather gets nasty.

Ah! Good thought, Krish. I will take a look. I have one of these from MEC with a high collar in black. Maybe I need the lower collar version as an underlayer. I will check it out. Thank you!

I agree with Rachylou. It is very heavy and harsh on you in my opinion. My instant impression was of being jarred, too, and not in a good way. I want to like it on you because it fits you well and is really a classic moto in styling. The sleeve length doesn't bother me at all visually, but if it feels uncomfortable, then that matters more.

I think the large, shiny silver hardware on this particular jacket is a part of the problem, along with the color, and texture (the fact that it is very deep and highly glossy black) all put together on you with your petite, soft, and delicate aura.

My opinion would be to keep looking.

WOW. We all see different things, don't we? FWIW, here is my opinion

- KILLER was my first response, although you have to judge the comfort of the sleeve length yourself. It could be a deal breaker, or it could be fine.

- I have the opposite reaction to Rachy and Claudia. I find the hardware softening. It mixes the black up with grey. This is softer than an all black jacket somehow.

- A moto jacket is a true iconic classic. It should be in your wardrobe. You are into those types of iconic classics.

- A moto jacket can be worn in an arty, creative and avant-garde way. My word! Look at Jean! She has many, many moto jackets (in black and shades of brown) and is as arty as it gets. So I see harmony with your aspiring style, and no confusion at all. Not that you want to dress uber arty - just making Jean an extreme example. A moto jacket can do exactly what you want it to do. That's why it is on my own wardrobe essentials list.

And now I bet you are as confused as anything. Sorry

(Thanks for the kind words, Suz and Shannon).

Angie, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to weigh in. And thank you everyone else, too. I especially appreciate comments from those who are not in love with it and hearing why. It is always useful to get that type of feedback because in addition to (maybe) telling you something about the item itself, it also tells you about how you have been perceived up until now. And often it also tells you about the responder's taste and personal style aspirations, which in turn can help when you respond to THEIR outfits!

FWIW: Angie, I agree absolutely that it's an iconic classic and can be part of an arty wardrobe - probably SHOULD be! So that's not my worry at all. Sleeve length is the main thing. Alas.

The question is, would it be worth it to get an alteration done? I guess I can take it to WonderWoman East and ask what it might cost.

Does it look dumb to turn the cuffs under? They stay that way, although getting them to stay scrunched is another matter. It might depend a bit on what I am wearing underneath.

The jacket is less shiny IRL and softer looking than it appears in the pics, but honestly, it IS still black. So I worry about the "jar" factor, too.

I'm going to put it on a few times again and maybe try to style it; I still don't really know how I would do that. Alas....

Not sure what you are going to decide Suz but like so many have said it looks FANTASTIC from this side of the lens on you. And how spot on Angie is: remarkable!!!

You. Must. Keep. This. Jacket.
That is all.

The jacket will look softer and less shiny as it ages, too.

Suz the rocker chick! ;o)

As for styling, you are probably going to have to stick to turtlenecks and collarless tops. With scarves, of course, (heh) especially if you don't like the look of a lower neckline. Scarves can fix that, add some colour, and keep your neck warm all at the same time. Okay, I'll stop.

I could see this jacket over a pencil skirt or straight-leg jeans, no problem.

As for alterations, I suspect the sleeve would be shortened at the shoulder for best results, and that would probably be pricey. Your call. I have no other comments on fit, because I don't know what I'm talking about and it has already been well discussed by people who do.

OK, for what it's worth, here is my two cents. If you keep the jacket, you will need to get the sleeves shortened otherwise it sounds like the extra length will drive you batty. The cost of the alteration versus the cost of the jacket is something you'd have to weigh out in your mind.

As far as the "classic" concept, that idea has been booted around the forum in the last couple of months and the consensus seemed to be that one person's classic can be another person's orphan. Is a moto jacket a "classic" for how you want to dress? You can figure out the answer to that once you've played around in your closet with the jacket to see how you feel when you add it to your outfits. Would it be the piece you wanted to grab over and over to add that elusive something to complete a look?

As for people's personal reactions, I think you're right when you say that has more to do with their style preferences than anything else. Some will love it, while others would pass the moto look by without a second glance. Only you know if it's something you want in your wardrobe. Do I love it-- not particularly-- but that is neither here nor there. Do you love it enough to get it altered and to play with it to figure out how to incorporate it into your style?

Amazingly fabulous. I'm loving rocker Suz!

Suz I don't know if it would make the sleeves too tight bit I find scrunching stays better when sleeves are tight so could having them taken in be a cheaper easier alteration? Or else wearing with bulkier sweater, but you probably want more styling options than that.

It's hard to say this with your bright smiling face, but I'm in the not-love category.
I'm fine if that says more about me than about the jacket, but I guess that would be true of any opinion, and how would we know the difference?

So, given that I'm on team back view and a harsher judge of cropped jackets, I still try to think, what are some of the elements I would look for in such an item ? I'm pretty sure that cropped moto on you as a generic concept is way cool--you can really pull it off.

It may just be the photos, but I'm not lovin' the fit in the back--not a fan of the wrinkles. If it is supposed to look like that, then it's just not my thing and so may be fashion-fine. To me the overall look is too shrunken. Again, is that not recognizing body-con fit for what it is? Perhaps. I know I have to fight the urge to wear stuff not fitted enough. So take it all with salt and pepper. What is lacking to my eye is where can cheeky intersect with the appearance of ease of movement and wearing--so I guess I prefer a bit more body-skimming in some places. You do look happy but not effortless, especially zipped. That may be more a goal for "my" look but that's my take. Or perhaps without that , the style intent would not be achieved-here's my moto! Could the color make a difference ? I don't know

I think this very tight look would fit "my" eye better with dresses. I can't get my head around the proportions with the jeans. Maybe styled differently would seem less so, so you may have lots of things you will be wearing it with. It seems edgy perhaps but not classic; again, maybe that is because I think of the fit as more extreme, which of course can make it more fab for the given year or outfit, but less translatable.

My reservations may be in the overly-picky category--things that would bother me but not someone else and similarly I am surely wearing things that someone else would say, huh? So my thoughts are not in the "no way" category, but more, is this the one? So only you will know that.