A style staple of mine for this Spring.

And seemingly I can actually call it Spring.  The snow has gone, there is a strange yellow ball thing in the sky which seemingly gives off a degree of warmth and I've been able to leave the house without gloves.   Now I'm not going to get ahead of myself and assume that I can pack away everything that is vaguely jumper related, but I have high hopes. 

It gives me the perfect opportunity to wear my favourite new purchase of this season, my quilted biker jacket.  Now mine is from Zara, but it's pretty clear where both they and everyone else who has done one this season have taken their inspiration from - the hugely popular Isabel Marant.  I am an enormous admirer of her style - I can't profess to being a fan as that would assume that I've purchased something of hers, but I haven't.  I did try and buy the boots (the recent Jennys that were utterly hideous on me) so I have given it a good shot but instead, I am able to get my Marantesque fix from - where else - but Zara. 

I will say that whilst an element of it is financial, I actually prefer the jackets that my favourite high street store knock out. 

This will be my go to jacket for casual outfits - which primarily are what I live in and so the perfect wardrobe choice for me.  With flats for super casual but add heeled boots for a more dressy daytime look (or for a laidback evening). 

So without further ado lets see what there is on offering this season.  

Firstly from La Marant.

(ps - if you have hideous memories of quilted jackets as a child - look away now.  Clearly some 70's trend my mother missed out on - some were gadding about in quilted jackets whilst I was all about the velour tracksuit.  One in wine and one in navy.  Yeah baby) 

Isabel Marant Etoile Sumac reversible quilted jacket from Matches  £225 

In a aqua blue 




Apologies for the awful pics but it's very difficult (well I find it difficult - I'm sure it's probably not that hard) to get decent pics from Monsoon.  However there jackets are much better in the flesh than they are in print.  They also (in my opinion) don't tend to do laid back very well in their online pics...... Am not entirely sure (ie i wouldn't) team with printed jeans.  Interesting combo. 

Monsoon Camilla Print jacket 





Monsoon Mathilde Print Jacket   This is gorgeous.  I am completely in love with the colours, the shape, the embroidery, everything.  






Monsoon Deepa Printed jacket 







H! by Henry Holland quilted black floral jacket  £13.50  This is a slightly random inclusion - I would completely ignore the styling unless you're 16.  But with the right outfit - over a little denim shirt and white jeans, a plain tee and loose casual jeans - this could really be a winner.  And for £13.50!





Navy quilted jacket from Red Herring at Debenhams - £39.20  Both in red and navy.  Lovely detailing.





Same in red again £39.20 






Indigo Floral quilted jacket - J Crew  Adore this.  I think it may only be available now in small sizes though. 





Linea Weekend Ladies ikat quilted jacket - £66.50.  In navy.   For me, this is the only one that could work for casual and a smart occasion (without looking rather frumpy) 







And of course the old favourite - Zara.  Like I said before, I actually prefer these to the Isabel Marant ones.  I infinitely prefer the price tag, that's for sure.  Will they last the test of time?  With most out there trends of this ilk, one would assume no, but I have to say I love the quirkiness of them - puts me in mind of a 9 year old Wallis jacquard one that I have that I wear every single year.  And am always complimented on.


Zara textured jacket



Jacquard pattern crossover blazer 




Ethnic jacquard pattern jacket



Jacquard cardigan with ethnic printed trims




Foolishly I don't have a photo of me in today's outfit - that will be up tomorrow.  Am fighting time trying to get three small delightful (read horrors) out of the house to go and watch their Daddy and some of our friends run a Half Marathon in memory of one of our closest friends who passed away nearly 16 months ago.  An amazing tribute and they'll all trained so hard.  Currently trying to blog and supervise banner making.  However I will be wearing my jacket..



White longsleeved top - Baukjen
Oatmeal linen square top - The White Company
Distressed bleached skinnies - Zara
Clay Thelma Wedges - Ash
Stone maxi zip cross body bag - Anya Hindmarch




Grey and coral vest - H&M
Grey longsleeved tee - Zara
Grey harem pants - Toast
Washed black suede jacket - All Saints
Blush and coral star scarf - H&M
Bea suede wedges - Ash
Black Faridah Hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Just like to wish all my lovely friends and husband running the Paddock Wood Half Marathon, the absolute best of luck! xxxxx