I hope each of you are having a good weekend with your loved ones. Earlier today, I went to have afternoon tea with some friends at Taj Boston. It’s part of our tradition for the holidays, but all we could think about this time were those affected by the tragic events in Newtown, CT and Henan, China. Reading an interview with one of the Newtown teachers had us in tears – it showed how much our educators care about the kids, and how fragile life can be.
On a much more trivial note, thank you for all the input on this last post. I read each one and noted down some favorite suggestions to try. To answer questions on why bother keeping the jacket – I personally love the vintage-inspired look (when paired right), and appreciate that it challenges me to experiment beyond my typical safe pencil skirts/dresses. It was also final sale, but I would’ve kept it either way.
As some readers noted, more visual volume on the bottom helps balance out the boxy structure of the jacket. One easy way to do this is with long, lean, boot-cut or slightly wide-legged trousers that just skim the top of your heels. I stuck with a light color, but also liked reader suggestions of denim or navy pants in a similar cut. Looking at these photos, I realize that the torso looks a little short now compared to the leg line (making a mental note to un-tuck my blouse next time).
I tried these BR Martin flannel trousers (love the wintery look with the wool jacket) in 00P, but unfortunately did not keep & alter due to the higher rise and visible pocket lining.
The one alteration I made to this jacket was on the sleeves. This is very minor, but the openings looked a little wide against my wrists. I had free time to kill while at home for Thanksgiving, and slimmed the sleeves marginally while digesting my mom’s never-ending cooking:
Lastly, I’ve mentioned before how I’m often amazed and inspired by many readers of this blog. I wanted to share a photo of a reader all the way from Prague that made me smile.
Bara is a small business owner and mother of two boys, who was invited to a talk show to teach other entrepreneurs about sushi. She said she was very nervous but wanted to come across like a confident business woman, and chose an outfit inspired by me and my blog. I was so honored to hear this, and think she looked fabulous!
Excellent post. This jacket is amazing and you look so beautiful. I like this jacket very much. The color matching so nice. Thanks to sharing the useful information about ladies jacket.
Cool Boutique
Hi to every body, it's my first pay a visit of this blog; this website carries amazing and really good material for visitors.
Also visit my web page: online casino
Feel free to surf my webpage online casino
This comment has been removed by the author.
By the way, those visible pocket linings can be cut out and the pockets sewn shut… since I'm not technically extra petite (I'm 5'2" but curvy) I tend to sew pockets shut and eliminate pocket linings as a matter of course, to make my hip line look sleeker.
Love your blog!
Glad you are keeping the jacket and experimenting. Love it with a wide leg trouser. How nice of the reader to send you those images. She looked great!!!
JCrew.com marked down more items this morning. The lady jacket is $79.99 and the lady coat in pink is $139.99, plus an additional 30% off everything.
Such a cute look! Loving that lady coat paired with the trousers!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
FABULOUS! Maybe you'd like to follow each other via BLOGLOVIN?
Let me know on my blog http://www.fashionhypnotised.com
I actually really love the jacket on you! Last post, I was a bit unsure. There is something about the upscale preppy look this jacket gives that is just so unique! Love the addition of the pearls, makes it less stuffy, oddly enough.
xoxo, Julie @ OBSESSED
Janki: I kind of splurged on the jacket little bit, I don´t usually pay that much for clothes (it was about $500), but I know I love this style and think it is so versatile. So I also hope to wear this for many different occasions.
Amadea: Jean inspires so many ladies all around the world, it feels nice to share passion for her style with you!
You looked great! I feel inspired to see Jean has inspired others with her fashion sense. I am inspired to inspire. lol.
Love back from San Jose!
Hi Jean,
I just want to say that just like Bara, I find your blog an inspiration. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work! =P
You're business attires are very inspirational. Love the pants!
Great look that you chose with the wide leg trousers to pair with the blazer! That's such a sweet note to get from one of your readers!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
I think he's a good tailor but haven't gotten enough done to confidently recommend him. I brought two pieces to be worked on – 1) lined pencil skirt to be taken in at the waist and hips; and 2) unlined trench coat to be shortened. The two were $30 together (probably 40% cheaper than the tailor I usually go to). Pencil skirt came out great, but the jacket hem had slight tension issues with the thread. I admit it was tougher to work on because the trench hem is curved (otherwise I would've just done it myself!). He's located on Knapp st in an unmarked building with large window, through which you can see an older man with his sewing table. It's tricky, because Knapp bends at a sharp angle. If you look on Google maps, his temporary shop is across from what is labeled "coco head hair studio" on the map.
Thank you – I had a neighboring suburb on my mind.
Newtown CT, not Newton
You looked prefect! Funny, when I saw the picture I though "That's so Jean!". I can tell you I've used that exact look for many networking functions, it's a go to one for me.
It definitely works with the trousers! So glad you shared Bara's pic with us! She looks so confident and all business 🙂 I dont see nerves at all! The outfit is inspired it is still so her!
Thank you, everyone 🙂
Hey Jean,
I was wondering how the Chinatown tailor work out? I remember that you mentioned him in your post at some point.
Nat
Great outfit 🙂
Visit my blog for a fashion break: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com
With love,
Gemma
i love this entire look! you look so very elegant! xox
I give up! You always work it out. This is perfect. Pairing the jacket with a colour in the bottom that matches the pockets rather than the rest of the jacket is genius. It ties it all together very nicely.
Love how Bara looks. Her outfit is definitely inspired by your blog, but so very much her own. She just looks natural – her look does not make me feel the need to scrutinise how she put it together because she just looks confident and comfortable in what she is wearing – truly inspirational 🙂 Wish you much success Bara!
Oh and got an email from NY&Co; – everything is 50% online (+ free shipping) and in stores. Stackable with addl' $ off promos:
$10 off $30 promo 3760
$20 off $60 promo 3767
$30 off $90 promo 3766
Whoa, leggy lady! What are your fit tips for wider-legged pants like these? i.e. Must fit well in waist / hips before wide leg takes over? I always look stumpy and would love to look leggy 😉
the uniqueen jacket fits that bill of a modern "vintage" look. in fact, i liked it too when jean reviewed it and picked one up for myself. while the uniqueen is more expensive, i can justify that purchase because it easily pairs with jeans, leggings, skirts.. IMO this jcrew jacket is not versatile enough to be a part of a streamlined closet. closet space is invaluable in my neck of the woods!
Jean, this is a great look. Question for you: is this the jacket that you added the lining to? If so, would you post a quick tutorial on that, if you haven't already? Thanks…
Tese
Hi! I'm okay with the jacket, but I do think the pants you paired it with and the coat doesn't go. I love how you usually pair your clothes, but I think the straight cut of the pants + the long coat made you look a bit short and boxy. The pairing with the pants alone looked okay though. Maybe try it with a darker pants, or a skinny pants where it elongates your legs more? Or try it with a darker jacket, or a shorter one (:
I think it would look better with same style/color pants that did not have a visible closure and belt loops.
I love it! Amazing how much of a difference the wide-legged trousers make.
http://fashionedible.blogspot.com
This pairing definitely work much better than all the experimental ones you showed in your previous post! The pants makes your legs look miles long. 🙂
Also, how sweet of you to share Bara's story. It's good to know that there are still popular bloggers that are humble and appreciative of their followers!
fauxionista.com
Interesting color that I wasn't sure would work at first, but looks good on you
this is a cute touch on the blazer…the animal print detail from the shoes give a more elegant touch on your outfit!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
you look so nice, and it's very sweet of you to share Bara's pic.
xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com
I love that you shared info about Bara. that's really sweet 🙂
What an honor having my picture published on this blog. Thank you Jean, for everything. I got so many compliments about my outfit and that just wouldn´t happen if I wasn´t following this blog. Before I was always at lost in shops and didn´t know what to wear to look profesional, but styl stylish.
Love from Prague to Jean and to my fellow readers 🙂
Bara
The jacket looks much better with the sleeves taken in. The pants look amazing on you. Your legs look so long!
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
Jean, your legs go on for days in those pants! Also good eye on the slimming the sleeves, a small alteration (to you, I could never do it) but it made all the difference on how the jacket looks on you. I am wondering how the outfit would look with your blouse untucked? You mentioned your torso looked a bit short but initially when I saw the pictures and before reading your thoughts, I imagined a tucked silk blouse would elongate your legs even more! I am wondering if it's the sharp lines and boxy shape of the jacket that appears to shorten your torso.
Bara looks stunning on the tv show, very chic and professional! Nicely paired Bara!
Anon, I think everyone should have at least one hoity-toity politician's wife at a press conference jacket, haha.
You did a fabulous job of matching the pants with challenging jacket. I contributed the idea of boot-cut pants/trouser, and glad to see you put them together with heels. The color matching is awesome, better than I can image. I love your sharing of thought process.
FWIW, I love the dated look 🙂
Glad you addressed the Newton tragedy…I don't even know what to say. It just makes me so sick. Just sick. :/
It was nice to see your Prague follower and her outfit…she looks great! Love the double strand pearls and black ensemble. 🙂
i think the word im looking for is pretentious. this jacket looks pretentious. like you said in your previous post.. like a hoity toity politician's wife would wear this to a press conference. 😛
Hiii Jean, I was wondering if you had to detach the sleeves from the body when you slim the sleeves down.
theres just something about this jacket; im just not a fan. it's too boxy and looks dated. sorry.
Gorgeous! 🙂
fashionqueen294.blogspot.com
Hi Jean, looking great as usual! I've just purchased the Lo&Sons; O.G. bag for work. Have you heard of them? I would love for you to do a post on work bags and/or a review of their bags.