better in person…

chambray blazer
Theory “Minou” linen blend blazer

Every now and then it pays to do some “boots on the ground” retail reconnaissance.

A lightweight, non-black jacket is one of those items that’s perpetually on my radar as it seems to occupy that space in my mental Venn diagram where Eminently Useful and Almost Impossible To Find overlap. I never would have given this linen blazer even a first look based on this photo. But up close it’s a lovely light chambray color, not nearly as washed out as it appears here, and has nice shaping via princess seams in the back, which keeps it from being too boxy. Very Ines de la Fressange.

UPDATE: This jacket is also available at Bloomingdales, which not only has a slightly better image but also has 25% off today with code SHOP25.
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14 Comments

  1. I find this a lot with Eileen Fisher clothes – I’ll see a photograph and be really uninspired, but then I go into the store and BAM – I must have it… Maybe I need to stay OUT of the stores!
    big hug,
    Janice

  2. Maybe this photo fails because we absolutely cannot relate to this model. She looks 14 years old (but pretty) and most EF clothing is aimed at a mature woman, IMHO……… One helpful thing to do is take a close slefie of your head and neck and hold that photo above the item on your computer screen to see yourself in this outfit…funny sounding but most helpful. Who says I am a techno challenged old lady clutching my 3 x 5 index cards!!!!

    1. Hi susie, this is actually a Theory jacket, and I love your idea of the head shot. Looking at this image again, I can see two things immediately that don’t work: the neckline of the top underneath, and the jacket doesn’t fit her well through the shoulders.

  3. I don’t know what is the problem with Theory, it’s like they can’t be bothered to style their clothes for photos. In person, and on, a lot of their clothes are great, but I’ve never ordered anything online from them. Would this jacket (in the blue) look good with jeans?

    1. Jackie, I did try the Uniqlo jacket and while it is a very nice piece for the price, the fit and fabric are quite different. This jacket has more tailoring and a closer fit.

  4. I know in the other comments there was a lot of discussion about how the styling doesn’t look right and I know what everyone is saying, but my feeling is this look is very intentional on Theory’s part. The jacket is meant to look just as it does – short in the sleeves, shoulder seams narrow and a boxy look.

    I love this jacket and think that a chambray jacket is such a great basic jacket to own. You’ve inspired me!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

  5. LOL to the perennial search for lightweight non-black jackets. I had the same experience with Joie’s Mehira chambray linen blazer. Looking at photos online I thought, “meh,” but when I spotted it at Saks and tried it on, I nabbed it. Very flattering fit.