This cream jacket is one of my few purchases this season. I have been searching for one for some time. A couple of weeks ago I went on a hunt down Bond Street. I tried on a number of jackets, some of them designer and expensive.
I finally found one that suited my narrow frame. It is my only purchase from Zara this season. I like their designs but find that the fabrics and construction are not as good as they used to be.
I think this proves that fit is everything. If you find a garment that fits there is no need to spend a fortune. You can, in my opinion, look good on a budget. That said if you want a garment to last then it is worth spending more for good quality fabric. I tend to buy with longevity in mind. Just occasionally a little light indulgence can lift a well curated wardrobe.
Jacket by Zara similar and better quality fabric here.
SIMILAR JACKETS
I have finished the look with a pair of classic trousers by Eileen Fischer and black low heeled pumps.
BLACK TROUSERS
BLACK PUMPS
It’s a gorgeous look, Josephine! So elegant.
Cream and black always looks so chic.
Does this style of neckline have a name? I love this style. I think it’s a perfect frame for the face and jewelry!
Hi Mildred
I think it can either be referred to as a Mandarin collar The style derives its Western name from the gowns worn by Mandarins in Imperial China. Alternatively it is often called a “Nehru” collar a very popular sale in India, my husband has a Nehru style jacket.
Super Jacket, I too have just bought it in the sale, in deep coral (£19.99)! Amazing!
You did a bit better than me Janet I think I paid about £29.99. I did however have to repair the lining in one of the sleeves.
I love the style and length of the jacket – and the collar. Very elegant. Haven’t you found the same thing re a decrease in fabric and construction with Next? Do you remember when they began in the 80s – their knitwear was lovely and really well-made and so we’re their jackets. Now I mainly find their clothes disappointing.
Hi Wendy B
Sadly I have found this problem in most of the high street stores. That is why I am gravitating more towards shopping on the internet. Because brands like Winserlondon and MeanEm etc don’t have shops (or only showcase ones) they therefore have lower overheads and can invest more money in fabric etc. This is going to be very sad for our high streets but it seems to be the way the world is going. I will be doing some posts on how to shop wisely on the internet shortly.
Love this look and the collar of the jacket is gorgeous and very striking! The length of the jacket is trending this season and I think its a great silhouette for smaller women because it doesn’t overwhelm our frames. Nicely done!
xx Britta
I have moaned about the quality of M&S fabrics for a long time but I have also started looking around and finding the problem is widespread. Next is particularly bad, their clothes were very good quality when they first started.
I agree about the decline in quality on the high street. T-shirts in Next are dreadful, Monsoon charge the earth for items that are very often little more than rags and White Stuff also charge the earth for some very thin, poor quality fabrics. Funnily enough I have found some of the best high street stuff in Dorothy Perkins, especially considering how inexpensive their clothes are!
Poor quality fabrics seem to be a bone of contention. I do agree I tried on a 3/4 length mid-season coat the other day. Great colour and the style suited me. I always read the fabric label and discovered it was acrylic and polyester!. This is not going to keep me warm when the weather turns cold. Then I fell in love with a gorgeous coat (wool/cashmere) way out of my budget. It is a dilemma. I will do some more research.
I have to agree about poor quality fabrics . So often I handle an item , compare the quality to one I already own & decide to stick with the original . Lovely jacket but not for me – I’m far too messy for cream jackets !
Love this look on you. Reminds me of a linen jacket I had and wore to death! You cannot beat a well fitting classic jacket.
Looking forward to your posts on how to shop wisely on the internet. Would also like more posts on where to shop on a budget.
Regarding your comments on keeping warm in the winter I am limited because I cannot wear anything with a wool content.
Hi Lynda
Shopping on a budge is a difficult one simply because one woman’s idea of “budget” is different to another’s. I will do a post on general “dressing well with not much money to spend” shortly. I try to choose mid-range brands and not compromise on style or quality. There are probably some good blogs out there that do more on where to shop on a budget. I would suggest layers would be a good option.
Shopping on a budget, enter the charity shop! Find one in an upmarket area and with a canny eye, one should be able to find style and good quality at very reasonable prices.
You look gorgeous in this outfit! Love it!
This is becoming an increasing dilemma for those of us who love fine fabrics. I don’t mind a blend of natural and some synthetic in a classic piece, but when it’s all synthetic, it just doesn’t have the same feel or longevity. A cream-colored jacket has a limited shelf life, so I think you can absolutely get away with synthetic, especially when it looks so great on you, Josephine.
Cheers, M-T
http://thefrenchtouch-m-t.blogspot.com
I agree with Viv re: a good charity shop. I will be writing a post on “shopping on a budget” soon.
Hi, you look so elegant. I’m joining this conversation from Nigeria.
Welcome and thanks for joining in Ivy