Updating the Mix
Despite my intentions and declarations of last autumn, I did not end up buying and wearing more suits for work. A lot of the suits I tried on just looked too stuffy, or if I liked the jacket, the pants didn’t work, and the other way around. As much as I appreciate the concept of suiting, when if comes down to what’s on the racks I’m just not feeling the suits these days. I’m still relying on a trousers/jacket combo for the most part, but opting for plain trousers and jackets with a bit more style and currency than standard suiting blazers.
But as I begin to prep for a weeklong business trip to New York in May, I realize that my stock of spring/summer jackets is low, and the few that I do have are maybe just a leeetle bit too laid-back or theatrical for meetings at the Corporate Mothership. So it’s time to sniff out some style online, and do a little pre-shopping before getting behind the wheel.
The Banana Republic blazer that coordinates with the trousers I have is nice and classic, but a bit boring. Still, I can add some interest with scarves or jewelry, so it’s a possibility, and worth a try-on. I’m not seeing much else on their website that would work with those pants.
While most of JCrew’s styles seem to be targeting a much younger demographic than une femme, a few of their jackets have appealed to me in recent months. I like the stying (and the bracelet sleeves!) on this one:
But the color is just too much. Wait, they have it in navy, which might work with the taupe trousers, and could be potentially Paris-worthy (worn with dark wash jeans, non?):
Here’s another one in Navy (not my favorite color, but it seems to be unavoidable this season): 
I’m a little uncertain about mixing wools though. And this one is pricey for a color I’m not in love with. Everything else I’m seeing on their site is either too ruffly or too fussy. (Why must everything be wrapped/tied at the waist? Does no one consider the mechanics of putting on/taking off a jacket during a business meeting in a conference room with a bi-polar air conditioner?)
While in the past I’d purchased several Ann Taylor suiting pieces that worked very well (am still wearing and loving a wool tweed jacket picked up on sale there over five years ago), lately their jackets and suits collections have been missing the mark for me. But ohlala! this has potential! 
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Oops, left you a comment but it ended up on another post. I like the J. Crew navy (same as yellow) and you could wear your Hermes scarves with it! Very Paris-worthy.
I avoid any jacket that is essentially a replica of a man’s. The first J Crew jacket is feminine without being fussy.
I like the Ann Taylor jacket best, and may need to seek it out.
I love the J. Crew navy and the Ann Taylor (and your scarves would remove any possible blandness from the navy-taupe combo) — being short-waisted and fairly high-waisted, I never feel as if these shorter jackets flatter me when I try them on, but I love the look.
great tip re: teh BR Jackson pant. Miss J always has a tough time finding trousers to fit her big behind. Thanks!
Yay, I love that yellow jacket. I have one that looks a lot like it and I get so many compliments. The bottom isn’t rounded and it has a few big buttons down the front, but other than that, it looks just about identical.
Yay, I love that yellow jacket. I have one that looks a lot like it and I get so many compliments. The bottom isn’t rounded and it has a few big buttons down the front, but other than that, it looks just about identical.
I too like the J Crew jacket and I am usually not a lover of navy or of anything with even the smallest of ruffle. Even though I am attracted to it I don’t think it would work on me–but on you I can see it.
I love the Ann Taylor jacket. We don’t get Ann Taylor here but I have been known to lurk around the web-site wishing we did.
duchesse – yes, that’s the problem I’ve been having with traditional suit jackets. I feel like I’m in male drag or something.
nancy – let me know how you like it up close.
meg – it’s an appealing style. Like duchesse says, feminine but not fussy. I can’t wear that acid yellow that everyone is doing this spring, though, which is why I’ll probably go with the navy.
materfamilias – I’m also short and short waisted, and was surprised to find that the shorter jackets work for me.
LBR – I’m usually pretty anti-ruffle, but I have another jacket with those tulip sleeves and find when the ruffle is subtle like that it doesn’t make me look like a window treatment.
cybill – does Ann Taylor deliver where you live? If so, they have some pretty good sales every few weeks…
Miss Janey – you must try them and let me know what you think!
Right on about J. Crew but have you looked at J. Jill’s new catalog? New leadership at the company (same person who transformed Eileen Fisher, I think) and the new jackets are cool …..fitted, more saturated color and a little longer. Very cool.
lamere
lamere – I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tip! I know JJill is now owned by the same company that owns Talbots, so maybe they’ve added a bit more of Talbot’s “tailored” component to their styles.