Have you ever been influenced by other bloggers to buy something you normally would never consider buying for yourself?
I have.
I was so in love with the idea of a floral blazer…I'd seen them everywhere and they looked so hip and so Springish but deep inside me I knew that they would be a nightmare to pair with other pieces of clothing.
I kept my distance.
Until I saw this…
And this…
And I thought…wait…I can do that.
Sure it's not my regular style but I'll never know if I like it or not until I've actually tried it on myself.
So I bought myself a floral blazer.
Normally I shy away from anything that doesn't define my waist or is fitted.
This look is what I like to call "fashionably hip slouchy bum" style. Also known as "I'm so cool I don't give a damn".
As a general rule I am not a slouchy bum type of person. I don't wear unstructured jackets and I don't wear t-shirts that are oversized. Here I'm doing both. Yes I am one wild and crazy gal.
I do like this first look, but that is just one look. Not enough to warrant keeping the floral blazer.
So I tried out some other outfits to see if I could make it work with more than just jeans and a slouchy t-shirt…
This is "okay" but something about the lack of structure in the blazer and the loud florals makes me think I look like I just raided my Grandma's closet. Maybe I crossed the line with the polka dot pants.
So then I tried this…
Still "okay" but not really me. Also I think I just added 10 lbs to my frame here.
I gave it one last try…
I love the idea of the pattern mixing but somehow it just screams "Just how drunk were you when you got dressed?"
It could be that the stance is too low on the jacket or that the pattern is too overwhelming. Seizure inducing some might say. Like a walking Jackson Pollock painting.
When I can't work a piece like a blazer with countless other items in my closet I can't justify keeping it.
So back it went.
I haven't totally decided against floral blazers…like James Bond says, "Never Say Never" my friends.
For now that "Spring's latest must have item" is not taking up valuable real estate in my closet with an unreasonably high cost per wear.
Have you ever made a mistake of buying something another blogger is wearing only to find that it doesn't fit with your sense of style, personality or wardrobe? Or am I the only sucker out there?
Linking up with: Visible Monday , Sunday Style, Yolo Mondays, Watch What I'm Wearing Monday Mingle GFC Collective Blog Hop My Style Thursdays Favourite Things Monday Bloom
Debbie Baker Burns says
I really like the first look! The dressy floral with the worn jeans looks very glam casual! And yes, I am quite influenced by other bloggers. And really, the act of blogging itself inspires you to try new things, I think. Maybe you could thrift a floral blazer? That’s what I do. I thrift unusual one-of-a-kind things and even if you only wear them one way, it’s still affordable.
kathleen lisson says
I love blazers, too, and have the same problem with covering up my figure. I end up keeping them a work or wearing them over a solid dress. I just got an asian print tux style blazer at Zara… we will see if I can style it or if it gets donated next year.
Highland Fashionista says
I LOVE it. It’s a great colour, fit, print…..lovely!
Patti @ notdeadyetstyle says
Oh, yeah, of course! I have experimented so much more since I started blogging. I do like this blazer with jeans and with the polka dots too. But you have to love it if it’s going to get valuable real estate in the closet. Thanks for sharing with V. Monday!
Val Sparkle says
I don’t know what you’re talking about – I think it looks great with the jeans and great with the polka dot pants! And it would look so cool with a black pencil skirt. But maybe you can find one that’s a little more tailored, and then you’ll be winning all around!
Jeannie@gracefully50 says
Oooh, I LOVE it! It looks sooo good on you! You did an awesome job to create different looks. It’s a keeper in my humble opinion. Too bad you returned it. 🙁
Lisa - respect the shoes says
I got a floral blazer last year but ended up selling it because like you, I had trouble styling it. However, I still adore the idea of a floral blazer though – and it just works perfectly with boyfriend jeans … now I want a floral blazer again.
Di says
Floral can be so difficult to pull off well. I actually really like your floral jacket with the blue jeans, possibly because the jeans and the t-shirt are plain and don’t draw any attention to themselves. The jacket does all the talking.
Pam@over50feeling40 says
What a great blazer …your styling is so good and I love the tie necklace..so cute!!
chloe says
It’s so cute with the polka dot pants! I really, really like and think you look great!
xox ~chloe @ popcosmo.com
Versatile Style by Tracey says
I too like the look with the jeans and t-shirt as the jacket becomes the star and is not in competition… stopping by from Visible Monday…
Ann says
I think you look good in the jacket! I know what your mean about taking up space in the closet and bank account if you don’t love it. That my policy too….it goes back. Fun to see you trying one item in many adventurous ways.
My hard items are shoes. I love heels, but really shouldn’t wear them often. I’m thrifting now more for fancy shoes and spending money on “good for the feet” shoes.
blue hue wonderland
Sandy a la Mode says
ok so i pretty much NEED a floral blazer now!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Elena says
This floral blazer is sooo pretty, love the first look-boyfriend jeans look great on you!
http://dcinstyle.com/
Trina says
I’m just shaking my head because I thought you looked fabulous with the jacket and the jeans, and I absolutely loved the combo with the polka dots. But then again, I know what you mean if it doesn’t feel right to you. Smart woman to figure it out now and not in a year after it sat it the closet.
stylentonic says
floral blazer fever!!! Perfect! xxx
Desiree says
Hi there! I’m over here from Patti’s party and I really do love the floral blazer on you. I love the first look with the awesome tie necklace, the spotty pants are bang-on gorgeous and the maxi is beautiful! Thank you for showing us what you came up with, it’s always a brave thing to step out of your comfort zone and ask pretty much total strangers what they think. Bloggers are such a kind and insightful bunch. I agree with Trina, I think you were working it but I really admire your decision to say “no I’m not feeling it, back to the shop”. Desiree xo
Heather says
I love the floral blazer (and want one!) – the look you put together with the gray T and jeans is absolutely gorgeous!
XO
“>http://pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com/> Pearls & Paws
Rachel G says
I think I’m pretty stubborn about the clothes I will and won’t wear. You went about this blazer decision so scientifically! And I agree–I don’t think the blazer was doing much for you. I actually like blazers…but I’m also a big fan of fitted clothes–I’m not really interested in adding unnecessary volune or unshapely-ness, so I don’t think I’d really want to wear any of those looks either.
Mrs C says
Wow, 1 jacket and lots of look! This is what I call smart shopping/styling! I like this floral blazer trend.. kinda cool!
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
Suzanne says
I agree…finding a similar style in a thrift or consignment store would make more sense. I just need to get lucky with my thrifting now : )
Suzanne says
I can’t wait to see if you wear your new asian print tux blazer on your blog. It would be such a departure from your regular style.
Suzanne says
I got that quote from you really…if you don’t try it, you won’t know : ) Thanks for hosting again Patti.
Suzanne says
I couldn’t agree more. I think it is the lack of structure in the blazer that bothers me more than anything.
Suzanne says
LOL…I had to think about it for a while before I returned it. Looking at the first outfit I almost regret taking it back.
Suzanne says
Ha ha! Ooops! ; P
I can tell you after seeing that first photo from The Style Clues I really am hooked on that particular floral blazer now.
Suzanne says
That is the only outfit I really liked. I just felt having a blazer that is only good with jeans was too impractical.
Funny enough I don’t think that way about dresses…but when it comes to blazers or jackets I expect them to work with multiple items in my closet.
Suzanne says
Well it went back to the store…I didn’t feel it was functional enough in my wardrobe.
Thanks for popping by : )
Suzanne says
Ah well…it went back to the store. I think I can do better and will be on the lookout for a floral blazer that will work with more than just boyfriend jeans.
Thanks for stopping by!
Suzanne says
LOL ooops! Really I’m not hear to promote over-consumption : )
Suzanne says
I agree that is by far the best look and the only one I would wear unfortunately so that is why the blazer went back to the store.
Suzanne says
Thanks for popping by Tracey : )
Suzanne says
Yeah…I knew I’d wear the jean outfit, but the other ones not-so-much. I’ve got so many jackets/blazers in my closet that I’m pretty picky about being able to make it work with multiple items in my wardrobe. Also sometimes you just *know* that although you love it, you probably won’t wear it as much as you should. That is kind of how I felt about the piece.
Suzanne says
: ) Thanks for stopping by Contstantinos
Suzanne says
It wasn’t an easy decision…I really do love the first outfit but I guess in the end I didn’t really *love* the blazer. Liking isn’t going to cut it anymore for me. I need to love the piece.
Thanks for dropping by Queen of Outrageous Style! : )
Suzanne says
Love you honesty. Glad I’m not the only one that thinks clothes should fit close to the body.
Suzanne says
You are someone I can actually see looking really good in a floral blazer : )
Andrea says
So fun & I really like the floral blazer. I like how you paired the jeans as well. I some similar but I think if I jazzed them up like you did instead of w/ just a tee they’d work great. Thanks for the inspiration.
You can link up with real mom style here : http://www.mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/search/label/realmomstyle
Monica says
Awesome ways to restyle the blazer, which looks great on you!! Love these!!
Nicole Feliciano says
I agree. Looks great with the jeans but blazers should be REALLY versatile. Happy shopping.
Suzanne says
Thanks for popping by Mrs C.
Barbara A Mizzoni Young says
You rocked the look in the first photos. I appreciate the effort it takes to step away from our comfort zones, especially when attempting an item that is not you.
Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud says
I love it on you- the first and last- I like it with the maxi skirt- I think the key is wild and slouchy. I could see it also working with loose shorts. Fun to play with, and I like seeing you explore your style.
Chioma says
i love how you styled your floral blazer and my favorite look is the one with the jeans, it’s just so COOL! 🙂
~Chioma
C’s Evolution of Style
katherine says
I love how it looks on you! You are able to wear it so many ways – they all look great. I can’t wait to see you wear it outside in the summer!
Sabine says
A cute idea to dress up jeans with a floral blazer. Your’s is amazing and so versatile. I also love your polka dot jeans, so pretty!
Zalina says
I loved the first look with the jeans and second was the dot pants. But you are right about letting these go that you don’t wear. I have several jacktets and blazers just collecting dust in my closet. Let it go!
Four Seasons One Wardrobe says
I found a floral blazer in the charity shop a couple of weeks ago and it only costed five pounds. I thought that even if don’t wear it my money will go to a good cause and I can always give it to another charity shop. I tried it on this morning, and I could not find a good combination, but I only had time to try one outfit, before I had to reach for something I know would work. I actually liked your two first outfits, but as you say, you got to feel comfortable in it. In any case, thanks for sharing your outfits. You gave me some ideas that I will have to try, but my floral blazer might also go back to the charity shop not used by me.
Kristina C says
A floral blazer is definitely one of those items that can be difficult to style. I haven’t tried this trend myself for that reason. But I have to say I really loved the first look on you. It’s very trendy, very New York, as I would say. I think that first look would look great even with a solid blazer.
nancy @ adore to adorn says
LOVE the way you styled your blazer. It’s such a great statement piece. I’m still on the hunt for a good one myself! =)
xo,
nancy
Jessi says
I actually love the “grandma’s closet” one haha but then again my Hubby always says I like grandma style things… Love the casual look with the jeans and tee too! I’m kind of obsessed with floral blazers. I already have one but I just ordered another one! (its vintage!)
Visiting from Sunday Style 🙂
Jessi
haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
Adrienne @ The Rich Life (on a budget) says
I really like the floral blazer on you with the boyfriend jeans. It’s really a great look. But if you don’t LOVE it, then it’s probably best that you sent it back. And if you can’t find more than one way to wear it, I agree – send it back. I have a pair of floral pants that I should have returned. I can wear exactly one thing with them and that’s it! So frustrating.
Maybe you can try again with a different floral blazer.
By the way, who makes your great boyfriend jeans? They look fantastic on you and I like the subtle distressing.
Suzanne says
I can totally relate on the shoes. I too have succumbed to purchasing shoes that I really can’t walk in for more than 10 minutes. We are lured in by the beauty and think that “ah maybe they’ll be okay…they are soooo pretty and make my legs look amazing!” only to hobble away in pain after trying to wear them for over 20 minutes and then the next day having to wear slippers all day because we have blisters all over our feet.
What a good idea to only thrift 10 minute shoes and then save the bigger bucks for something more foot friendly that I can actually walk in for hours.
Suzanne says
Thanks for popping by Andrea.
I won’t be linking up for your Real Mom style because I chose to just be a “real Mom” to my furry baby. So I don’t qualify as a “Real Mom”
Thanks for the invite though : )
Suzanne says
Thanks Monica…I need to find one that I like enough to keep next time around.
Suzanne says
So glad that someone agrees with me : )
Suzanne says
The first photo with the jeans was definately something I felt comfortable in but everything past that felt like I was trying too hard. I think that was a sign that it just wasn’t the right one for me.
Suzanne says
Thanks. I held off on buying polka dot jeans for a while but these ones are subtle enough that I wear them quite a bit.
Suzanne says
Yay! It makes me feel better for someone to say let it go : ) There is always a tinge of regret when I take something back normally but honestly I can say when I took this blazer back I knew it was the right thing to do.
Suzanne says
I totally agree that a solid coloured blazer could be just as cool with the first look. Also I have a plaid blazer that would be great with it.
Suzanne says
I should have sent this one to you! LOL I could really see you wearing this…it’s just your style.
Suzanne says
Ha ha…you *would* love the Grandma’s closet one! LOL
Suzanne says
Yes I will probably still try to find a floral blazer that has more structure and is fitted. I’m loving the colours of that one Tamara from the Style Clues is wearing. Just my colours.
I bought a pair of floral cigarette pants last year that I have to say I just love. I can wear them with 6 different tops…which isn’t too bad. You can see the original post here
http://suzannecarillo.com/2012/04/serenity-now/
They are awesome. I much prefer them over the jeans. The store where I bought them is called Le Chateau. They always have really unique styles and prints that are designed in Canada. If you’re ever across the border you should check them out.
Those boyfriend jeans cost me $19 BTW. They are by Joe Fresh. We have Joe Fresh in our grocery stores out here so I scored them one time while picking up groceries and they were on sale. I think the regular price was $39. They actually have some great clothing that is very reasonably priced. They are especially good at staple pieces.
Suzanne says
Agreed. That is in fact the only outfit I really liked.
Suzanne says
You need to do what I did and put all your outfits up on your blog : ) I want to see someone else trying to make a floral blazer work.
Suzanne says
Ah well…I didn’t *love* it so it went back. I only really loved the first look and I need a blazer to work with lots of stuff in my closet otherwise I just can’t justify keeping it.
I’m not too sad about it. I think I will find one that I really love that’ll work better in my wardrobe.
Suzanne says
Well there is no doubt in my mind that this piece would have been perfect for you. Especially with your lovely black hair and wild eyes : )
Plus what is better than a blooming Bella? that’s right…nada
Suzanne says
Thanks for stopping by : )
Jamie "ChatterBlossom" says
I really love the slouchy look and the polka dotted pants too! I think both of those are super cute with the floral blazer.
-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Tiff Ima (@stylehonestly) says
I love floral blazers, and agree they are hard to wear. I love it with the jeans though!
Tiff Ima
Style Honestly
Emalina says
You look fabulous in that floral jacket, which is particularly fine with those amazing spotty jeans!
Popping by as a fellow Visible Monday blogger, do pop by my post and let me know what you think!
Emalina
http://www.kikiandthegypsy.blogspot.co.uk
Sandy says
Visiting from Visible Monday..
I liked all your looks except the last one, too much skirt I’d say! I have succumbed to the floral blazer trend, fortunately I found one at SA for $1.60, so my cost per wearing is super low!
Oh and your hair color is fabulous!
PinkCheetahVintage says
I have made a million mistakes! I do love the blazer the first way you styled it, but that is just one way to wear it. One style option is no bueno. My items have to be multi-functional. It’s really cute, though.
Becky 🙂
Jan Graham-McMillen says
I like the way you styled it with edgier pieces … I’ve looked at some floral blazers, but not buying. I just wouldn’t wear it enough as it gets too hot, too fast and for too long here to even think of a blazer. Thanks for showing your thought process … that’s always where I learn the most.
I’m embarassed to admit … I whined for quite a while about wanting and finally bought a tulle skirt. I knew it was going to be a challenge … but you gotta tuck every top you wear with it. Ick. I’m too short-waisted to tuck. Maybe this winter with a big sweater. I’m sad, and I should have known better. Bright spot? It wasn’t expensive!
Suzanne says
Thanks Jamie ; )
Suzanne says
I need to challenge everyone to a floral blazer throw down. I think that 90% of people would be wearing them with boyfriend jeans.
Suzanne says
Thanks for popping by Emalina : ) You are my favourite “let’s play dress-up” blogger.
Suzanne says
Score on the blazer! You can’t even buy a coffee for that price : )
Suzanne says
Agreed. I need to know that it isn’t a one-outfit purchase. A blazer needs to be multifunctional in my book.
Suzanne says
Okay I am disappointed for you on the whole tulle skirt issue. I’ve had so much fun with mine.
Yes, they need to be tucked to make you look like you have a waist. Otherwise you just look big and fluffy all over.
I’m glad that it didn’t cost that much at least.
Kristian says
Well, I actually liked all your outfits but the last one (the patterns didn’t match), I can see why you would hesitate to keep a floral blazer. I have been unable to see remixing one enough in my wardrobe too.
http://www.withoutastyle.com
Suzanne says
Well I may have found one now that I can mix and match a bit better…will be trying it out this weekend : )
Jennae @ Green & Gorgeous says
I really like the first look and the last look! I actually like the blazer with the pattern in the skirt, but I get what you’re saying. I fell for the floral blazer temptation too, mostly because I found mine at Goodwill. But it’s the wrong shape for my body and too short, so I haven’t worn it yet. I’m thinking it might go right back to Goodwill, or I’ll try to sell it.
Found you via Monday Bloom. Find me at http://greenandgorgeous.net
Tamara Chloé says
Hi Suzanne!!
Thank you so much for featuring my photo on your blog!
I feel flattered!
I am so glad I inspired you to try a different look!
I think you look absolutely great in floral jeans….I really like all the looks you posted here!
I always make sure the blazer is well tailored,mine is really well cut and smaller in the waist!!
especially inportant if you are wearing BF jeans,because they are allready so slouchy to begin with!!
Serioulsy I love your floral blazer!!
xoxo Tamara Chloé from http://www.tamarachloestyleclues.blogspot.com
Suzanne says
You are the only one I think that liked that last look. Funny enough when I had it on…looking in the mirror I didn’t mind it one bit. When I saw myself in the photos though I knew that wasn’t for me.
Suzanne says
As you can see I LOVE LOVE LOVE your look.
I’ve purchased a different blazer…much more fitted and different colouring that I’m hoping will work better for me.
Thanks for popping by : )
Kristin says
Loooooove that blazer with the boyfriend jeans!
Glamamom says
I’m all about florals this season. I really love it on you. It’s good that blogs push you a little. Fashion is all about trends, evolution, expression. Glad you tried it. Totally paid off.
Suzanne says
Thanks for stopping by Kristin : )
Suzanne says
Well I did end up taking that floral blazer back since I didn’t really think it suited me except for in one outfit and that is simply not enough when buying a blazer in my book. I did manage to score another floral blazer that I think will be better suited for me and my wardrobe that I hope to feature soon.
Thanks for stopping by : )