The Best Thing I've Bought…Recently
Feb 20, 2013
What’s the best thing you’ve ever bought?
It’s a question that I am asked with some frequency. My knee jerk reaction is to say either the vintage Chanel dress picked up for a song in a Montana thrift shop or the Chanel necklace that was once owned by a Elizabeth Taylor. But last Thursday, as I was getting dressed for work, I realized it was neither of those things because there is one item of clothing that I have been wearing with regularity for months, and it deserves its due.
Last Call Shimmer Tweed Suit Jacket ($119)
Back in November, I bought a three-seasons-ago J.CREW tweed suit on eBay. It’s black, has a collarless jacket and subtle embellishments, and I am.in.love.with.it.
I wear the jacket with a black pencil and an ivory, mandarin collar blouse. I wear it with a black striped tee and leopard flats. I wear it over a white, pleated chiffon dress to cocktail parties. And I wear it with black trousers and a tie neck blouse.
Like I said, it’s being worn a lot.
The jacket above is the closest thing that I could find to my beloved. Not a bad price either. But I also liked this Maison Scotch jacket (similar cut, on sale), this Vince Cropped Jacket is pretty basic, this Rebecca Taylor is a little more detailed with eyelash trim and this IRO jacket is a total splurge. And if you need something inexpensive, this Target tweed jacket comes in a wide range of colors.
If you’re not comfortable with basic tweed and want a bit more edge, this tweed and leather jacket from Rag & Bone rocks (here’s it’s cheaper equivalent). I also like this notch jacket and this studded jacket, both from Aqua for $118. And this Target jacket can be had for less than $50.
Plus size? This DKNYC jacket is very similar, and if you want something different, this Merona jacket is pretty cool.
A black tweed jacket is my new wardrobe staple. Maybe it’ll be yours.
I would love a two-ways post styling a collarless tweed jacket! I recently bought one and am at a loss for how to wear it, although I love it! I can’t figure out which necklines will be the most flattering with it.
Wait. A Chanel necklace once owned by Elizabeth Taylor? Wha… that’s totally awesome.
Anyway, can you do a post sometime on buying clothes off eBay? Love the theory, never been brave enough to try it. Tips? Pitfalls to avoid? Questions to ask sellers? I’m all ears.
How about a picture of you wearing some of your tweed jacket outfits? That would be instructive.
Going to last call after work for that jacket and skirt. LOVE
Belle,
Last week you promised us some postings on how to style white button-ups…but nothing was ever posted. I know that button ups are basics that can be dull, but the more reason to show us some ensembles, and I would still appreciate seeing the posts! Any plans to do so?
I bought that Vince black jacket last weekend for all those same reasons and those pictures do not do it justice. It’s a little pricey, but it’s a timeless cut and color.
That jacket looks boxy and matronly. Not a pick I favor.
you should totally put up a pic of that Chanel necklace… I know you don’t do the selfies which makes you seem much less narcissistic than other style bloggers (why we love ya) but still, that sounds awesome.
Can we see a photo of your beloved? Don’t leave us guessing!