Seeing as there's no sign of Spring, let alone Summer...

..... I feel perfectly justified in a totally self indulgent post on jackets.  As I mentioned a month or so ago, I have an unhealthy addiction to the humble jacket.  Which, I normally manage to shelve for the warmer months and then binge buy come September, but, as we're all well too aware, there is absolutely bugger all sign of Summer.  And so it's the perfect excuse to go forth and jacket shop to your heart's content. 


Following on from requests I've had about the blush sequin Zara jacket. I thought I'd have a look at some dressier jackets that are about at the moment.  Which brings me neatly onto another topic to discuss - when you're no longer in the flush of youth, when you do manage to make it out in the evening without the Rugrats, it's a real tightrope not to either look mumsytastic or like you've raided your daughter's wardrobe (not a good look).  One option - and of course there are many, but the one I find a) the safest b) the best value for money and c) the easiest to wear is the statement jacket.  Now I appreciate that the term "statement" sounds beyond naff but, well, that's what it is and that's what I call it.   Like I alluded to last week, of course it's code for "everything else I have on is old/bland/cheap/much worn".  Seriously though, you can shove them over a basic vest/tee and any old jeans and hey presto, instant outfit.  Plus if it is more detailed, it means you can keep jewellery to a minimum as well.  Also great for a dressier affair as opposed to drinks in the pub by putting it with smarter trousers and a shell top.   Works for me.   It also works in that it differentiates them from the "normal" jackets in my wardrobe and therefore is a completely different item of clothing and as such, means one can purchase guilt free.  A bonus in anyone's book. (and believe that and you'll believe anything)


Now that I've done hopefully a fabulous job of convincing you that your life isn't complete without one of these, here's a round up of what's out there at the mo.  I do appreciate that all I've actually achieved is convincing myself I need about 5 more.  Moron.


On the sequin front, there isn't nearly as much as a glut as there would be around the festive season.  Clearly I'm out there on my own - living by the adage "A Sequin is for life and not just for Christmas".  So a disappointingly scant selection but I have to say if I didn't have one I'd definitely be a) trying the Isabella Oliver one b) selling a kidney for the Gestuz one and c) would be ordering the FCUK one as soon as I was able.  The Oasis one is slightly too structured for my liking but, as I say, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to sparkling in May. 


Gestuz Caine Jacket from Coggles  I've seen this in real life and it's just the most gorgeous quality.  Really heavy, dull metal sequins.  Completely wearable all year round, unbelievably easy to dress up and dress down.  If you've got the money and a special occasion to wear it, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.  Or keep an eye on it in the sales.

Isabella Oliver antique silver sequin jacket

FCUK Jacket Having trouble with the FCUK website so this is a John Lewis link.  Also available at House of Fraser.  My top choice.

Oasis Gold sequin jacket

Again looking at some higher end options, two that caught my eye - one by By Malene Birger (actually she has about 4 I could quite happily snaffle away in my wardrobe) and one by Juicy Couture. (not a brand I frequent, especially at the age of sniffing 40 but they're often worth a look at for something a bit more unusual.  They're definitely not all about the velour trackie anymore.)


By Malene Birger tweed gold trim jacket from Flannels

Cropped lace jacket by Juicy Couture from Net-a-Porter This would definitely be the one out of them all that I would love to have in my wardrobe.  I guess if I were trying to persuade myself that I didn't need it (note to The Husband - are you impressed? I do occasionally do it)   it is a similar colour way to the Phase Eight Pearly King and Queen one I have.  But I still think it's just gorgeous.  

Chucking a random one here.  This is one of my marmite items.  I think this would really work   in the Spring/Summer for a number of different occasion.  Perfect with faded denim boyfriend jeans, a little tee and some flat sandals for pared down boho chic or with white/blush/any pale colour skinnies, strappy sandals and a little tee for a dressier night out.  And great during the day over a jersey vest maxi dress (as opposed to the obligatory denim jacket).  I'm not usually a fan of the kimono style jacket but this one really did catch my eye.  Probably most people will think it's vile but I'd definitely give it a go.  Having said that, on the basis of the pic on the Phase Eight website, I don't think anyone would ever buy it.  Really not doing it justice I don't think.

And now on to the hands down winner of the statement jacket category - Zara. I worship at the feet of their jacket designer team - honestly, they are fantastic.  Great quality, amazing selection, a really good fit for most people I know and fabulously priced.


So the below are all from Zara in the Blazer section.  My only only gripe would be their sizing is (as with all of Zara unfortunately) hit and miss. Not uniform at all, definitely needs to be tried on.  Here is my drool selection. 

Which leads me onto my outfit for my Big Day Out on Saturday.  Which clearly I'd already bought no?  The Whistles navy/black/camel leopard print cropped jeans and light cream blazer.  And a couple of little vest/shell tops that I'd bought in silky fabrics - completely not my bag at all but v necessary to smarten up the outfit.  Note to self.  Do Not, I repeat, do not leave it till the night before Big Day Out to try on outfit.  As, just because it looked fabulous in your head doesn't mean that it will look fabulous on.  Big mistake.  It looked just plain old wrong diddly.  For some random reason the knitted blazer that had looked so great in the shop, didn't remotely fit and coupling it with the shell tops was out of the ballpark frumpsville. 


Handily I had the day before just grabbed a silk blazer from Zara that I absolutely fell in love with but couldn't remotely justify (and therefore would take back.......) I also thought that The Husband would loathe it.  Just to point out that I don't normally take fashion advice from him but I do value his opinion in the broader sense of the word and don't go out of my way to wear things that he thinks are utterly hideous (a bit hideous, hell yes otherwise I'd be head to toe in Crew and Boden)  However he proclaimed to absolutely love the scarf print blazer which meant that I "had" to keep it.  So last minute change of outfit and obligatory run to the shops on Sat morning after the hairdressers to pick up new belt (blush with gold buckle number from Mango). 


So keeping the theme of statement jackets, here is my outfit from Saturday afternoon and evening. 

Nude vest - Primark (gave up trying to find a shell top that didn't make me look hideously mumsy) 
Scarf print silk blazer - Zara
White straight legged trousers - Next (these are 4 years old and I've never found a pair of trousers I like better.  Hence I keep them for best as I'd be so gutted if anything happened to them)
Blush leather belt with gold buckle - Mango
Large weird tooth necklace thing - Mango
Dull gold chunky link bracelet - Made
Gold peep toe snakeskin block heel shoes - Reiss
Tan De Manta clutch - Alexander McQueen


And a quick round up of outfits from the end of last week and the weekend.  To contend with the most hideous run of weather.  Not the most interesting of outfits it does have to be said.


Thursday 

Black longsleeved top - Isabella Oliver
Raspberry Leigh jeans - Topshop
Camel knitted blazer - Whistles
Tan and black scarf - Dorothy Perkins
Dull gold chunky link bracelet - Made
Black suede stud ankle boots - Pied a Terre
Black patent quilted bag - Jaeger


Friday. 

White longline vest - Primark
Fuchsia linen tee - Zara
Navy Blazer - Zara
Khaki zip skinnies - By Malene Birger
Chestnut peep toe lace up heeled boots - Kurt Geiger
Tan leather and rivet cuff - Mulberry
Chestnut Lily bag - D&G


Saturday - this was thrown on for going to the hairdressers and then a mad panic dash to Bluewater for emergency belt.  Pathetic.

Faded straight leg jeans turned up - Earl
Charcoal longsleeved tee - Zara
Grey Military knitted coat - 3.1 Phillip Lim
Fabulous Finches scarf - Mulberry
Fuchsia Roxanne tote - Mulberry
Black suede and patent ballet pumps - Banana Republic


Sunday - rather hungover.  Over to friends house with the Rugrats to completely veg.  Bliss.

White ribbed longline vest - Joseph
Navy and white jumper - Zara
Distressed biker jeans - By Malene Birger
Navy knitted military coat - Zara
Gold pine cones necklace - NW3 by Hobbs
Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe
Tan Rockafella boots - Russell & Bromley
Chestnut battered cross body bag - Campomaggi by Plumo


Tomorrow, I refuse to be stuck in A/W clothes. I shall be layering within an inch of my life but I am wearing light clothes in both colour and fabric.  Allegedly it's not going to rain.  Regardless, I don't care!

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