Random time

Ok so we've done the statement shoes. 

We're going back (this is the Royal We by the way... oops), I've decided to all things graceful - classic jeans, loafers, granny shoes even.   But that doesn't mean graceful has to be dull.  

I was looking at my wardrobe the other day and the one thing that I wear year in, year out, is a jacket.  A short fitted jacket.  And do you know what - some of them are slightly way out there.  On the random side.  The correct fashion term is, I believe "statement" jacket but let's be frank - often they're just random. 

There is no rhyme nor reason to them - some will love, others will hate.  But there is nothing like a jacket that's that little bit different to turn a boring outfit into your favourite.  And curiously they seem to be timeless.  I think so long as you buy them in a classic shape and you find the print or colours completely aesthetically pleasing, you will have it for years.

They are also the perfect addition to a minimalist wardrobe to give you a different look without having to head down the full on boho route.

And it was an email that I got from JCrew with this picture, slap bang in the middle of it, that made me think - hell yes, now that's got my name all over it.  Surely I can squeeze another one in this season - to add to my collection?

Fringy tweed jacket from JCrew $198 with 30% off using the code SCORE.  Or, if you're in the UK, you could have paid £198 except that it's sold out.  If you could see my face right now... HOW much cheaper stateside?

Actually I've gone in to look again and it's back in stock in the UK... £198.  I have to say I love this and I mean love love love this. 

I'm not going to lie - I wouldn't be teaming it with shorts.  But this style with a black or white tee, pair of beat up jeans and my new gold shoes for a casual night out is my perfect perfect outfit.  

Now it may seem that some of these I've featured have a certain bohemian vibe to them - they're certainly not the first things that spring to mind when you think "minimalist".  But that's not to say they cant' be eminently useful in a more pared back Summer wardrobe.  

And if you still need convincing - happily Net A Porter have done the styling work for me.  This is exactly what I had in mind.  Down to the shoes (which I will come back to - I have minimalist Summer sandals up my sleeve too, fear not).

Etoile Isabel Marant Elmer Reversible jacket £220  The joy of looking at a Marant jacket is that it doesn't make the JCrew one seem quite so expensive... especially if I squint and think it's a Chanel one... (am I convincing anyone?   Suddenly JCrew prices, even the £ conversion seems like a bargain if we can pass it off as Chanel).

However this one is reversible so you know what I'm going to say don't you... mais oui - two jackets for the price of one... kerching.

Adore this look.  Exactly exactly exactly what I had in mind (I even already have a red bag..!)






Tributes at Monsoon (although to be fair to them, they've been churning these out for as long as I can remember... certainly pre Marant, that's for sure) at a lot less.  Although, it's not reversible... 

Waltzing Jacket from Monsoon £89  This with faded denim...





Or the Enya Embroidered Jacket £89



If you are thinking about a bomber jacket but aren't quite there with it, this may work for you... It's not gathered at the bottom so is boxier, which I think is potentially more flattering.  But there's definitely still a hint of a bomber there... For me - this would be the perfect finishing touch to a pair of khakis, white tee and sneakers (or loafers...!).  Or all that talk of jeans... well this is the perfect print and colour palette to go with any shade of blue denim.  Add a black, white, grey, khaki or yellow tee and this jacket will take you through the whole Spring/Summer.  What about over a maxi dress?  I could go on.... 

Jacquard cotton jacket from Mango was £49.99 now £34.99  As if we needed another reason to look at jackets - all short jackets at Mango have 30% off for a period of time.



Print again and this time in a metallic printed linen.  And blazer style... 

Metallic Printed Linen Blazer from Majestic was £216 now £99.36  I would happily wear this look every single day.




Full on colour at Topshop.  They also have a matching skirt to this (well - to the young and lithe of leg it may be a skirt.. to me - it would be a belt.  And to wear together would be plain wrong diddly at 43).  On its own though?  Hell yeah.

Embroidered Jacquard Jacket £55




Mono Quilted Jacket from Warehouse £79  AND - 20% off at everything at Warehouse at the moment with the code TREAT20.



And another monochrome version at New Look.  Again - team with all black or good old jeans and let the jacket do the talking. 

New Look Tassel Trim Edge to Edge Jacket £34.99



So now I have an interesting concept - statement with no colour.  For something to stand out, it doesn't necessarily have to include lots of colours, it can do its talking via texture or embellishment. 

Starting with a twist on denim.  Quilted like the longer Warehouse one above. 

Maddie quilted denim jacket from Monsoon £69.00  Fair play to you Monsoon, this one is pretty darn fabulous.




And more 30% off bargains at Mango.  I was going to keep this for a military blog I was considering but I think it deserves its place here.

Double breasted jacket in black was £79.99 now £59.99  Would buy this in a heartbeat if I didn't already have a gold button version.



And this which is pure perfection.  I think this would be the ideal update on a denim jacket.

Textured cotton blend jacket was £59.99 now £39.99



Boho to wear every day that isn't so boho after all.

Textured Cotton Blend Jacket from Mango was £79.99 now £59.99





And again, how to wear it - a pared look with not a hint of boho.  For me - this is much more Zadig et Voltaire than it is Mango.  Personally, I would prefer my trousers to be slightly looser - well, they'd have to be slightly looser otherwise I would have spillages of my love handles from every angle of the jeans.



Or the red.  Oh simply simply love... 



So today, alas it wasn't so much statement jacket weather (I am looking forward to cracking my old ones out) as full on statement coat.  Random, like I say.  But one of my favourite buys from the Winter, a good old M&S bargain. 





Black and white breton tunic - H&M
Black waxed skinnies - Boden
Leopard fur coat - Per Una at M&S
Red Loafers - Gucci
Haworth bag - Village England

Random jacket fan are you?  I simply love their versatility and, I think, timeless quality to them.  One of mine I bought from Wallis 11 years ago and yup, still wear it every single year.  

Tomorrow I will be discussing the best snow jackets to buy to be prepared this weekend.  Kill.  Me.  Now.