As a kid, I never loved school the way some kids do. And even in high school, when I finally caught on to the fact that both knowledge and the exchange of ideas were well worth cultivating, there was always some place I’d rather be. College I loved entirely, but I can not lie: after graduation, I was thrilled by the notion that I’d never have to enter a classroom again. And yet—and I’m sure this will shock exactly none of you—I couldn’t have gotten more squarely behind the notion of back-to-school shopping. And there I remain, well into adulthood.
My key purchase for years now has been a cute little jacket, the kind you can throw on over a tank as soon as the faintest chill hits the air, then layer later. And pretty much every one I’m currently loving is some variation on the motorcycle jacket, only very streamlined and with minimal hardware. This one, by Zara, has a whole lot going for it: an excellent slouchiness, that scrunched leather thing going on that usually costs a fortune but here is relatively within reach, and ever-so-subtly quilted sleeves.
Iro is one of my new favorite lines, and they make some of the best grown-up-enough-for-work-but-cool-enough-for-fun jackets I’ve seen anywhere lately. How impossibly clean and elegant is this?
Colored leather is tricky, tricky. But somehow, that clever Yigal Azourel has created one in a hue so subdued it almost comes off as a neutral.
A motorcycle-style jacket made of fleece could really go either way, but the notion of one light enough to wear under a heavier jacket in the winter appeals deeply.
Not quite sure how they managed to pull off a look so simultaneously preppy and moto here, but probably the Barbour-style waxed cotton has something to do with it.
One option for those looking to not spend a fortune—because this is a pricey category—is to go vegan. So many synthetics feel all stiff and wrong, but this one looks like it actually moves.
Dying for.
Boucle and moto are two great looks that shouldn’t look great together, but somehow, they totally do. And you can’t beat the price here.
Just on looks, I liked the vegan one the most. For me, you can’t beat an asymmetric moto. But, do they look good worn open???
And the boucle version is nice too.
The IRO one is sold out already.
I enjoy your blog – a lot! I don’t consider myself a “fashion person” but I always feel I can relate to, and enjoy, and possibly even WEAR many of the clothes you highlight….so thanks for helping me clue into great trends, and where to buy them.
My only quibble is this: I think it would be simpler to follow your pictures and descriptions if the photos *followed* the description. I find it confusing that the photo precedes the text. I have, of course, caught onto it by now, but it is still a conscious effort to go from the picture – which is the first thing I see – to find the text about it, and importantly – the link. And people just dropping by your blog might be momentarily stymied. We don’t want that. So maybe it’s just me….or maybe others have had a similar reaction.
But here’s the main thing – very nice job, and thanks for doing it!
When I click on the link for the vegan jacket, it just goes to the Boden jacket. Fix? Thanks!
Lovin’ the vegan option (as I am a vegetarian(, but for me the link takes me to the same Boden green jacket. Any chance you could update that link as I’m dying to check it out!
Sorry about that; I updated.
The Zara jacket is my favorite here (I have a preference for more structured jackets), although I wish they offered it in more colors. I own a waxed cotton jacket from J.Crew (couple of years ago) that is similar to the Boden and I get compliments all the time on it.
I just have to comment on the Rachel Zoe jackets that pop up (as jackets that you might also like [??]) when you click on the link for the IRO jacket. OMG! I hope no one dresses like that in Brooklyn.
Love the moto look this fall too. But unwilling to commit too much of my hard earned, I bought the Gap version:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5739&vid=1&pid=293064&scid=293064012
It’s got enough heft and structure that you could wear it out, but it’s still good for a walk around the neighborhood.