A New Find & Old Favorites
The Drape Front Jacket…
One wardrobe item that’s perpetually on my wish list is a soft, lightweight jacket that’s not a blazer, and not black. Sounds simple, but the right ones tend to be elusive. Last week I found not just one, but two!
Earrings | Jacket | Blouse (similar) | Bag (similar) | Jeans | Shoes
Plus options: Jacket | Top | Jeans
This is the first one. It’s a faux suede drape front jacket from BLANKNYC. I wore it out to dinner Saturday night, and was pleased with how comfortable it was, both outdoors and in. I’d seen it online and scrolled right by, never thinking to try it.
A Fresh Pair Of Eyes
That’s one of the drawbacks of shopping mostly online: sometimes the retailer’s images don’t tell the whole story. But I’ll admit, I tend to get overwhelmed trying to shop for myself in stores. First, they rarely carry Petite sizes. So trying to winnow through what might work for my 5’1″ frame, or figure out if something can be altered, feels like an extra hurdle before I even get to the changing room.
And then, I tend to get overwhelmed with too many potential choices. A friend of mine delights in looking at every item on the rack. I don’t know how she does it. I tend to go into sensory overload after a while (and the loud music in so many stores now doesn’t help).
So I decided to give Trunk Club another try. They’re a shopping/subscription service of Nordstrom, and I’m lucky enough to have a brick-and-mortar location nearby where I can try things on in person. (You can also order a “trunk” online to try, based on your size and style preferences.) The selection of items and brands is more limited than in the stores or online, but on the plus side you have the advantage of working with someone who’s familiar with the merchandise. I figured it would be worth spending an hour to have a fresh pair of eyes, and some options I might not have otherwise considered.
Jacket Jackpot
The stylist/Sales Associate had included this faux suede drape front jacket on rack of clothing she’d prepared for our appointment, and I could see the potential right away. It’s right in my “softly structured” wheelhouse, and a light neutral to boot. (Though looking at this outfit now, I wish I’d added more color, maybe a red bag.) The jacket is available in several colors (including Plus sizes), here and here, is budget-friendly and also machine washable! I’m wearing size Small.
The light has been yucky lately for taking photos. Overcast and gloomy, which makes everything look dull and flat. Le Monsieur snapped these on our way to dinner at Lukshon. (Which was fantastic, BTW.) He’s a very good sport about it!
Do you find a “fresh pair of eyes” is helpful when you shop?
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Lovely soft fluid look.
Your skin looks lovely can you recommend a foundation for the summer.
Thanks very much, Carol! I’ve been using Charlotte Tilbury “Light Wonder” foundation http://bit.ly/2L3OMeB for about a year now, and think it’s the best I’ve found. A little goes a long way…it’s sheer but buildable. It doesn’t settle into my pores or lines, and doesn’t get cakey or vanish after a few hours.
I am glad you mentioned the Nordstrom service. I am having a very frustrating time lately finding clothes. I am 62, 5 foot 10 and not small at all, but I do have a great waist! Finding clothing that has a waist, and isn’t short wasted on me is a huge problem, especially living in Portland Maine! Any other suggestions would be welcome. I shop online almost exclusively because our choices here are so slim
Hi Beth. I am in your age group and love Trunk. I tried another subscription service, but found Trunk has better quality and more choices. Having lived near Portland, I understand your frustration with shopping. Try Trunk. You have nothing to lose, and lots of style to gain.
I also love Trunk. Nordstrom’s carries a wide range of brands and price points so there are usually choices in anything I am looking for. As my stylist has gotten to know me she is getting better and better at sending me just the right thing. If she doesn’t, it goes back and she tries again. And she really knows her stock – she can pull out things that I never knew were there. She also can find things marked “out of stock” on the web page, or colors that have been “discontinued”. It’s magical.
I’m glad to hear it’s working for you!
Hi Beth, it might be worth a try. I find it helps to be very specific about what you’re looking for.
Absolutely. This is where boutiques with a curated collection and assistants with a trained eye, who know you and the stock leave department stores/online shopping for dead. No sensory overload and shopping time kept to the minimum. Also, you end up with a tight edit of clothes that you love and work for your lifestyle. What could be more chic?
I wish there were still more independent boutiques nearby. I miss that “curated” shopping experience.
Great looking outfit!
Thank you, Marcy!
Stunning photos Le Monsieur did well!
Thanks, Josephine!
I have been using Trunk Club for over a year and had great success with it. I think I was lucky and found a stylist who works hard to find pieces to fit my 5’2” body. Last year I lost over 20 pounds so I really had to update most of my wardrobe. Thanks to my stylist I now have a closet filled with options! Most months I give her a challenge like…I need black pants or a dress for an afternoon wedding or a summer cardigan. Or I send her my Wish List from the Nordies site so she sees what I like. I just found this Unefemme blog and find it very helpful too. Yes, we can still be stylish even when short and age 65!!
Hi Diane, it sounds like you’ve found a good stylist. And thank you!
Nice outfit on you and the shorter length jacket makes you look taller. I’m your age, and often fall into a rut buying the same items. The “fresh eyes” for me have been those of the older sister of one of my close friends. She chides me about some of my picks, then goes on the floor & brings back pieces I wouldn’t have even thought about! Then she proceeds to “put” me together- always a great outfit. BTW, she doesn’t work in a store. And, I always AVOID stores with loud music, even if they have what I’m looking for. If the music cranks up while I’m in a store, out I go!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
I’m 5’7” and have purchased the BlankNYC drape front jacket. I chose the rose pink, very flattering color, muted and versatile. It’s perfect for our mild Northwest summer. It fits so nicely and has a bit of stretch so it’s very comfortable. Love your styling suggestions, amazing you choose what looks good on your very petite frame however I find they work on my size small, 5’7” frame as well. Thank you.
Thanks, Marvel. I’ve been eyeing the dusty pink color too…
Great jacket. I bought something very similar last summer at Macy’s, a light sweater knit with suede lapels like yours. I love it and it dresses up outfits more than a simple cardigan. Mine is in black (I’m a brunette) and when I saw it I just knew I had to have it, even paying full price because I knew it would be gone before it could go on sale.
Sounds like a very good find!
You look great in this outfit. The photo of you in the green Adirondack chair is so cute! I really like the shorter jacket on you. I think it looks so fresh after all the longer jackets. I would have overlooked it online too because I would have thought it too fussy. But its really a great jacket. I normally shop by myself but there are a couple people I enjoy shopping with when it works out. Most of the time, though, shopping with others just kind of slows me down!
Thanks very much, Rondi!
Bought a chic soft jacket in a neutral color at Ruti a few years ago. The make is Alembika, an Israeli designer with a cool vibe. RUTI the boutique is now in several major cities in the US and online. Unique Fashion forward clothing great at any age and far from department stores boring. Worth a look.
Hi Daniella, I’ve found some good pieces from Ruti over the last few seasons. I do love the aesthetic, though it’s hit and miss for me as many of the styles are either a bit too long or have too much volume for my frame.
you look great and it really suits you. I can’t wear drape front jackets or cardigans as the bulk at the front just makes me look huge. I am always searching for more casual draped typed jackets.
Thanks very much, Janey! I used to shy away from them for the same reason, but I think this one works because the fabric is so light and drapey.
I have the same jacket. Love it! For anyone wondering, it looks good in size L, too.
I’ve worn mine 3 times in the last 4 days. It’s a winner!
Agree with you about being overwhelmed in stores. Macy’s in particular. I walk in and walk out. Merchandise everywhere and crammed in racks. Sensory overload. Vince is doing a stitch fix type thing now. Was thinking of trying them just because I do love their jackets and tops. I usually roll my sleeves. Think it’s 4 pieces for a set price. Once again worried about the length. I have
Good luck with Eileen Fisher, JCrew and Anthro. Find those stores pleasing to shop in.
Ooh yes, when the racks are so jammed, that makes it even more challenging.
Funny – I just ordered one of these in “Vintage Brown” (appears camel to me) during a Chico’s flash sale. Snagged it for $20! (Originally sold for $149.) It’s a little longer than the one you’re wearing here, but I thought I’d give it a try at that price. Not really something I would typically be attracted to, but you’re inspired me to be me more open-minded. LOVE the one you bought in the olive color. It’s now on my Nordstrom wish list. 🙂
That’s a fun style, and sounds like you snagged a great price!
You look so happy! I just love you & your posts! So thoughtful & mindful about clothing & fashion… the jacket looks so easy, breezy!
Thanks so much, Marybeth! The jacket is a very easy piece to wear.