Consignment, vintage and thrift store shopping offers us the opportunity to consider garments we normally wouldn’t like this…
Must Have Spring Jacket
Yes, I might have marvelled over this Ralph Lauren cavalry jacket had I seen it in a regular store, but I never would have tried it on partially because it would have been merchandised for someone much younger than myself and also because I wouldn’t want to faint from sticker shock.
One of my favourite consignment stores is where I spotted this beauty and those were both non issues.
I tried this military jacket on for fun. I never thought it would fit or look any good on me.
In the end though it fit like a glove and I felt like a rock star in it.
And yes! Before you ask, of course every capsule wardrobe needs a military jacket in it.
Obviously.
It’s right up there next to plain black trousers and a crisp white shirt, both of which I don’t own.
Anarchist!
How many times have you had an invitation to a fabulous party that requires, “Army Attire Only“?
Right?
Just last week my pug and I weren’t able to attend several celebrity star studded events because I had nothing to wear. Difficult to imagine if you saw the size of my closets. (As a style blogger it is totally normal to have more than one closet FYI.)
Zoë’s cavalry jacket was at the cleaners otherwise she would have probably gone without me. Ingrate.
Apparently military jackets *was* a big trend back in 2014 if we are to believe Who What Wear. I now own a “Cool-Girl Jacket”.
Yes I’m two years late.
No I don’t care.
These guys set the trend, way back when…
This guy too.
And this guy…
RIP
I didn’t do myself any favours by showing you the catalogue shot of the model wearing the jacket first. The girl and I mean girl is less than half my body weight and maybe less than a third my age.
Now you get to see this spring must have jacket on a real woman.
Prepare yourself…
Just so happens this vintage ankle-kisser-can’t-make-up-its-mind-maxi-or-midi-skirt is in the same colour as the trim on the jacket. Jackpot!
Of course this isn’t a must have spring jacket…
Or maybe it is.
Anything goes nowadays if you ask me.
Many people will dislike this look on a woman over forty. They may even call it, “Wackadoo!”
At least it is a WackaDOO and not a WackaDON’T. (I think, anyhow. Taste is subjective.)
One of my goals when I get dressed is to be memorable, this jacket helps me achieve that goal. Often people just want to blend in when they get dressed but I am not one of them.
This suits my personal style statement perfectly.
I don’t follow trends, I follow what excites and suits me.
I honestly believe that “trend” is an antiquated word and has lost its meaning. Fast fashion and social media move too quickly. Every day there is a new “must have” item.
“The word ‘trend’ is a little bit like the word ‘luxury’ — nobody really knows what it is anymore, where it starts, where it ends,”- Pierre-François Le Louët
Understanding your body type, what appeals to your personal sense of style and knowing the impression you want to leave with people is much more important than any so-called-trend.
Do you think fashion trends are an antiquated idea?
Looking to figure out your own personal style statement? Get the full low-down and worksheet here.
Wow, what a find. And I like it better on you than the teenager. You give it sass along with beauty. I don’t think trends are relevant much either – the runways shows are for a very small slice of shoppers. I predict you’ll love wearing this jacket, a lot! xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Not only is the jacket cute, but you made it into a beautiful outfit with the matching skirt. Gorgeous. Creates a lovely silhouette. Win win win.
I will admit, I would never have thought to bring that home with me….but your reasoning is spot on! Of course we want to stand out in a sea of other women! And it really does fit you perfectly!!
You will wear this again? I’d love to see it with your white jeans!!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I don’t know about white jeans with this but I have worn it with regular jeans.
I feel a bit lopsided when I have white on the bottom and dark on the top. LOL
I’d have bought that in a flash – it reminds me of my vintage majorette’s jacket – made for a 1970s teenager and worn by me who hasn’t been a teenager for over 30 years!
It looks utterly wonderful with the not-quite-a-maxi skirt and way better than that gawky kid. Why don’t they ever smile?
I’ve got my Great Grandfather’s Boer War jacket – I leave it hanging up in the house so people think Jimi Hendrix is visiting.
Quentin Crisp once said that “Fashion is what you adopt when you don’t know who you are”. So true. xxx
I love that quote from Quentin Crisp!
I must admit I might have been a bit subliminally influenced by your majorette’s jacket.
Trends are for people with no imagination and nothing to do. Those of us who are busy with real lives, jobs, problems etc and don’t have time (or energy) to chase someone else’s idea of perfection have to develop personal style. Now, go find Zoe’s jacket, we want a mini-me look, too.
Ha ha! : )
Love that quote and so, so right. Everything moves at such a rate that what is ‘trendy’ one month is quite often old hat the next. If you like a ‘trend’ great, if you’re late to a trend, never mind, enjoy! And if you don’t like a particular trend, the sky won’t fall in if you don’t wear it.
You’re absolutely on the money – find what works for you and makes you happy and that jacket obviously makes you happy. I wouldn’t have bought it because I’m not a big fan of military jackets BUT having said that I love how you’ve styled it. It’s perfect with the skirt.
And bless you, Suzanne, you’d never blend in and are always memorable and that’s the icing on the cake!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
The jacket is superb and you look superb in it.
As to personal style, I was once getting off public transport as a little girl was getting on – and she was beside herself with joy at seeing ‘a magic lady’. I’ve always aspired to be magical ever since.
I can understand the not-giving-shit-on-getting-older thing – as women do tend to become invisible in society as they age. And if they don’t – then of course they are legitimate targets for ridicule. And if they aren’t phased by ridicule – they finally become eccentric.
Trends leave me cold – I rarely buy retail as I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing. That probably makes me an inverse snob 🙂
I’ll vote for one of your leather pencil skirts (the red one would look divine) with the jacket
Elaine Monkeypaints
Isn’t that the BEST compliment ever? I actually think the story would be a great beginning for a children’s book.
Ooooh…I never though about the red pencil skirt with this!
Yes – the best compliment – I jingle with bangles, wear layers and I have pink hair – it’s like the circus comes to town lol – but her darling little face – I hope conditioning does not remove the wonder and imagination in that little one xx
I’m in love with the jacket, but even more, I’m in love with your message and the way you presented it! Here’s my favorite line: “I don’t follow trends, I follow what excites and suits me.” This jacket suits you to a tee…er…jacket! Now I want one! 🙂
http://www.petiteover40.com
This jacket was one from Altuzarra when they had a line with Target. I adore this jacket. It is one of the very rare purchases I’ve made from a fast fashion house. Since that time Target has left Canada and I no longer have to worry about any temptation.
Such a great jacket! I very much like it with the skirt, and I’m sure it’s great with jeans, too!
I don’t follow trends very much. I really mostly update my wardrobe with accessories, and I did add two fringe necklaces, so I did add a bit of fringe which is a trend right now. Come to think of it, I also bought a fringe cardigan last fall… But I know I will wear all pieces long after the trend has passed. For me to buy something, I have to really like it, and it really doesn’t matter to me if it is on trend or not.
Be still my heart! This is such a classic. It would be great to grab to dress up a plain outfit in an instant.
You have created a stunning outfit with your hair and skirt…of course!
I love that trends are irrelevant now. Maybe people will listen to their own hearts. We can but hope 🙂
Xo Jazzy Jack
The jacket leaves me speechless!
Ok, got my words back. :o) I’m glad you pointed out the in-between-ness of your skirt length! I’m always scratching my head when a blogger describes her dress or skirt of this same length as a maxi. I understand that “ankle length skirt” sounds blah compared with the snazzy nick names that Maxi and Midi get, but I’m not coming up with any fun nick names for it! I’ll leave that job up to someone else. :o)
JJ
I do need a nickname for this skirt because I wear it non-stop : )
PERFECT jacket. And indeed it fits you like a glove. Of course I would have paired it with simple, solid coloured trousers, but that is conservative me. It does look good on the skirt, I will admit.
As for fashion trends… we have grown wiser. That is one good thing about getting older.
Greetje
Bang on Suzanne! This jacket is fab and will be so versatile – I hope to see it styled up for a long time coming. Trends are not for me either. You and I just do our own thing, and so very well, if you don’t mind me saying. I’ve been out of the loop for a little while, but saw a photo on Instagram of you at casualty dept – what happened? You look fine, better than fine, now.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I agree…it is refreshing to see other bloggers that you can tell take a real joy in creating outfits despite the trends. You inspire me.
I do think it’s a must have, if one loves it! Ad I loved it! I love military jackets and oh, The Beatles!!!! I think this jacket is amazing and you look gorgeous and yes, memorable 🙂 So good that you bought it! I don’t follow trends and I think that if something is beautiful, ANd is trendy, well, I may buy it for its beauty, not because it’s trendy. And will wear it 3 years later, 2, 5 or 10, it is fine. Also, age wise means not much to me, or didn’t mean, till I caught myself saying that boxer braids are not for me anymore, or dungarees. Who new I would think that way – for me, not for anybody else. I think we all should wear what pleases us 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
DenisesPlanet.com
I love these jackets. I had one years ago in grey with a purple floral dress. I loved that outfit! The little edge of the jacket with the feminine touch of the dress. I think this jacket would look great on a f!oral dress. About trends, I think for example the ripped, destressed or whatever jeans is a trend. It s not my Cup of Tea but it is a trend. Have a great evening!
I think you are right! I must try that.
Thanks for popping by Nancy : )
I love me a good military jacket. Takes me back to my marching band days. I used to wear a vintage army formal jacket almost daily several years ago. I was slightly obsessed with it. On warmer days, I wore it as a top with no shirt under it.
I’m wearing mine as without a shirt here. Otherwise it is actually quite warm.
I does not surprise me one bit you were in a marching band : )
Thanks to you, I’m now on the hunt for this ‘must have’ spring item!
Super cool jacket. Totally brings me back to my high school days.
That is an amazing coat!!! You look stunning in it and to find it in a thrift shop!