And unearthing another favourite....

....from the back of the wardrobe. 

So as well as rediscovering all my denim (I may have decided to DIY some jeans this morning and I may have ruined them... ugh), as a consequence, I am now all over my old navy.  It's something I never get rid of as I come back to it every Spring/Summer. 

Navy is the perfect addition to blue denim and whilst I am the world's biggest fan of black, I do feel that navy occasionally wins over (occasionally...).

And my must have, go to, number one item at the moment is.... drum roll... (not entirely sure as it's really not that exciting...) a navy blazer. 

Well, I say it's not exciting but it's something that you will have for years and years and I think you'll find it more useful than you perhaps thought.  Yes, it's perfect for work but it also is ideal for everyday Spring or Summer wear.  Throw over a thin jumper and jeans, a shirt (and jeans), any old tee (and jeans) and of course, a breton (with... yes jeans).

But also... with a skirt....yes, I am embracing the midi with a blazer.  Which, I discovered from my outfit yesterday, actually works. (well, I think it does anyway).

I do love a good statement jacket and yes, they do last the test of time in my experience, but if you're thinking of adding a couple of "disgraceful" pieces to your wardrobe - something more on trend that you possibly won't stick around forever (pleated midi skirt - are your ears burning?), then teaming it with a classic piece ie a navy blazer, somehow, I find, works.

I have a couple of versions (honestly, they just work every season in every guise) but my favourite is definitely from Me+Em.  Alas, mine is from last year and they don't have it anymore but they have very similar.  The quality of Me+Em blazers (as with everything from there) is extraordinary - think Joseph quality for less than half the price.  And and and and if you use the code 15YOU - 15% off (not sale items). 

Belt Detail Longline Jacket in navy from Me+Em £198




But in the sale at Me+Em is even better.  Love this with the gold buttons - fitted like mine. 

Gold Button Blazer was £185 now £92



Then of course, blazer number two in my repertoire is the new Ada from M&S.  Now this has been a complete surprise to me.  I thought I'd live in the trousers and wear the blazer occasionally.  Well, I've had it for just over a week and I think I've worn it three times?  It's so unbelievably useful and randomly flattering. 

The Ada Blazer £49.50  It would also be amazing over a shift Summer dress as well.  Just add sneakers or loafers.  Tis the perfect lightweight blazer for warmer weather, believe me.  Oh and size down.




Whilst we're talking about M&S - over the years I've tried lots on from there and they are amazing if you are larger of bust.  The majority of them don't work on me at all.  Way too much fabric in the darts at the front which is supposed to be filled with gorgeous bosom.  Which I don't have. 

Love the fabric of this one - Pique Blazer £65 from M&S  and there's £10 off with a special offer online... 



And two fitted classic versions at great prices.. 

One shorter:- 1 Button Angle Seam Short Blazer from M&S £39.50




And a longer one, which they handily call exactly the same thing as the one above, except clearly it isn't (oh Marks.....).  

On the upside, their blazers are really really good for the money. 

1 Button Angle Seam Short Jacket £49.50 (with £5 off.... at till.  Lots of offers at M&S at the mo.)




Another great one button version at hush.  I have worn my black blazer from hush weekly for the past year or so - goes with pretty much everything and the similar (but slightly shorter) midnight jacket would be just as versatile. 

hush Georgia Jacket £65



Speaking of more casual jackets, Whistles do an amazing jersey blazer in black called the Molly, which I was looking for in the navy.  Which they don't do.  But Joules do one called the Mollie... and it's remarkably similar.. (although I haven't seen in the flesh...)

And it currently has 20% off at John Lewis - Joules Mollie Jersey Blazer was £74.95 now £59.96





But if we're talking investment, then my one investment recommendation from the high street would be Reiss.  This is the most gorgeous jacket - slightly textured which immediately eliminates any worky suit connotations, yet it's still easily smart enough to wear to work. 

Reiss Issak Blazer £195 - more sizes available at John Lewis.







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To be honest, I was quite surprised at how few there were on the high street.  I suppose had I ventured into Hobbs etc I may have discovered more but then you're paying so much money for something that really isn't that much better than the ones from M&S.  To be fair, the Reiss one is a cut above and has that modern edge that I personally don't find at Hobbs any more. 

And here I am yesterday in aforementioned outfit.  My favourite in ages.  Have also rediscovered my love for these boots...


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Navy jumper - Topshop
Navy blazer - Me+Em
Pleated ankle grazer (midi on me) skirt - Me+Em
Buckle boots - Toga Pulla
Haworth bag - Village England

Are you a fan of the navy blazer?  I'm planning on getting more wear out of mine this year (my collection of them), as navy, black and denim or khaki is currently becoming my favourite look.

So I may be back over the weekend... I may not... I'm off to Somerset or Dorset or somewhere on a Rugby Tour.  Frankly, the less said about this at the moment, the better.  Currently packing enough crud to see us through the next month.  We're going till Sunday.  I will need shopping therapy when I get back....

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31 comentarios:

  1. As the proud owner of (more than one) navy blazer/jacket, I was this morning checking out Me and Em and spied their grey flannel longline blazer (with the contrasting sleeves, like you have) on sale at just £59! As I had previously been lusting after a grey blazer following a particularly gorgeous pic on insta (grey blazer, slouchy white long-sleeved T, destructed boyfriend jeans), I am now sorely tempted to recreate the look myself. How would you say it fits? They only have a size 6 left and I am usually a pretty genuine 8, but find the pieces I have from Me & Em (mainly shirts) to be quite generous. Should I do it?

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    1. Oh gosh so sorry for not getting back to you earlier. I would agree that the blazers are also generous and you could size down xxx

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  2. isn't that your Topshop skirt (not that I am wardrobe stalking you - I just bought the same one inspired by your blog) Wearing my navy blazer today but its a vintage naval jacket with braiding, brass buttons etc - I wore a similar one when I was 15 so I always think of it as my mid-life crisis jacket

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    1. OMG it is yes - thanks for that - will edit!

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  3. The first Me+Em one is amazing! The belt detail just lifts it. If a jacket is too "normal" it feels too work-y for me (and as a freelancer, I'm usually in jeans and a jumper!), so my jackets tend to have a twist - black jersey tux with satin lapels from Zara years ago, grey flannel with black edging from Mango last Christmas. I love military styling, and that first one has a little hint of that. Off to stalk the website!

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    1. Totally agree you can never have too much military!

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  4. H&M should pay me, because I'm back to cheer for them again. I bought this blazer in my local store last week - http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0357177004.html - in navy (they only seem to have it in black on their website) and it is fab. A mere £24.99 and it looks much more expensive on. Very pleased with it and love the longer-length front and shorter back detail. Smugness abounds...

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    1. ARRGGH I think it must be sold out now. Saw it the other day and it looked amazing but it's gone now.

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  5. Strangely enough, I appear to have no navy blazers in my closet (have 6 black ones though..) Clearly an unacceptable situation requiring immediate rectification. Now which one..probably the Hush or Joules one for a more casual, summery fit? Decisions, decisions... xx

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    1. But I also love Me+Em longline belted blazer! You're right, their quality is so amazing I'm tempted to go for it but just worried the material is too thick for spring/summer. Have you tried it on? How is the fabric??

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    2. I have to say - all the Me+Em blazers (my navy one is from last Summer) are off a thicker quality fabric. I will say mine has never been too thick but it does mean that a) it looks super expensive and b) it's fab for all year round xx

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    3. Thanks Kat, I went for the Me+Em one as I wanted to get the 15% discount before it expires! It'll be great for fall even if too thick for summer. And I may still get the Hush one too...just hoping for a discount code soon so I can justify two navy Blazers in one go.

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    4. If it helps, I have about four.. all different so all give different looks!

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  6. Love the gold button blazer from me + em, although I do get a little Princess Di vibe from the gold buttons (been there, done that!), but being single breasted helps.
    I do feel blazers are a bit too office like, but I have branched out with a good quality jersey one, gros grain ribbon detail, notched collar and no buttons.
    All we need now is a bit of sunshine (meaning absolutely no rain), so I can ditch the raincoat and brolly!
    Danish Pastry

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    1. You're absolutely right about the Lady Di vibe but I have to say if you team it with something modern, it doesn't seem to matter!

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  7. Hi Kat,

    I really wanted to like The Ada blazer but having a large bust I just look like Hyacinth Bucket when she went sailing with Richard. Boo!
    Have a lovely weekend hope it's not a bad as you imagine.

    April

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    1. Nooooo. I have to say, my friend said that as well. Did you size down in it??! Weekend was more than tolerable thank goodness!

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    2. Hi Kat glad the weekend went well,yes sized down but to no avail but found a lovely one in TK Maxx for £15 but it's some random label which a friend who was with me said it's made for TK Maxx whatever at that price I'm not complaining!

      April.

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    3. Oh I Love it when that happens!

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  8. I have a couple of navy blazers: a DVF wool one for the winter and a cotton Massimo Dutti one for the summer, so yes I am a fan. So versatile and flattering, can't live without them. But the one thing I had not tried was to pair them with denim, I thought the two shades of blue would clash, but apparently not. So thanks for the tip! Another reason to wear them more!
    Nathalie

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    1. Oh you are more than welcome. I think they are a match made in heaven!

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  9. I bought a navy blazer from Mango last year and sadly only wore it a couple of times.... I'm now going to style it with my jeans, especially my boyfriend ones. Can't wait to give it a go

    I'm loving the Hush one too, love their jackets!

    Hope you survive the rugby tour! Lots of wine and plan a shopping spree for next week
    Have a good weekend
    X

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    1. Definitely give it a go!! And SURVIVED!! loved it although didn't love the distance...!

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  10. Thanks for the tip that M & S blazers and good for the boob blessed among us. I struggle to find jackets that don't either pull or make me look preggers so will be checking those out!

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    1. Definitely definitely have a look. Lots of room in the darted area at the front (WAY too much for my pancakes!)

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  11. I do love a navy blazer, so much more flattering than black. They look great with boyfriend jeans. (Loving your swishy skirt!) Jane X

    http://arthursmum.com

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    1. I quite like it with the skirt - it does work, doesn't it?!

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  12. Just bought a new navy blazer (with the teensiest pinstripe) from tkmax. Thought of your blog today... Sunday times style section had a photoshoot with the star Copenhagen trainers from Topshop. You recommended those a good few weeks ago and I finally got my hands on them last month. Come on Sunday Times... Keep up with us forty somethings ;)

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    1. WHOOP WHOOP!!!! ha ha ha x

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    2. I've got these trainers too... Love them x

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    3. I simply cannot justify another pair of trainers!!

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