Jackets for all seasons
Oh, the fickle fluctuations of
spring! After the first day of warm
breezes and sunshine, out come the
bright florals, and gauzy summer
dresses. Hastily shoved to the back
of our closets, after what seemed
like an eternity of gray, are the
bulky knits and dreary-coloured
cardigans. But when the temperature
recoils, said items are
begrudgingly fished out for one
final fling. This spring, however,
my dear fashionistas, it will be different.
After a solid season's showing of jackets galore, these toppers are decidedly the “it” garment while we transition into warmer days. With trends and cuts suited for all, there is certainly one out there for you, no matter your need. Here are a few of my favs:
LEATHER:
Forever a classic, this season, the leather jacket is having a moment in the spotlight, as leather has become THE “au currant” fabric of choice among fashion designers, as of late. Make this trend “2010” by choosing an unexpected colour, like a nice smoky gray or a rich, “taupey” brown. Detailing, such as bold, contrasting stitching, or a few well-placed pintucks will refresh this classic look. The bomber is still the standard “go anywhere” cut, but the more adventurous can opt for a cropped, asymmetrically-zippered biker style leaning more towards Balmain, than Burberry.
MILITARY:
Long since a favourite trend of mine, I chalk up my infatuation with this look to my love of natural tones and inclinations towards androgyny. This spring, designers from minimalist enthusiast 3.1 Philip Lim, to young and fresh Alexander Wang, have injected strict orders into their collections giving a salute to army-inspired garb. My absolute favourite take was Marc Jacobs' four-front cargo pocket belted number, complemented with a silk ruffled damask trim, adding just enough feminine glamour to the strong and masculine piece. With a price tag that exceeds the limit on my Visa card, I sadly won't be clamouring to Saks to get my hands on one anytime soon. Fortunately, every contemporary designer (think Juicy Couture, Theory, Rag & Bone, etc.) as well as “fast fashion” chain, are loving this look, making it easy to at least appear as though you attended high-end boot camp. Atten-TION!
DENIM:
Everyone's got “the blues” this season, but fear not: it induces a happy, carefree vibe, not a frown this time around. Back again this season, rocking denim on top was already deemed cool back in the hippie aftermath of the 70s and the acid-wash loving 80s. Make it modern by pairing it with anything white eyelet (a la D&G), or your own by mixing and matching patterns and fabrics. The best way to do denim, this spring, is with anything else NOT denim; be it leggings and a cami, or a cute dress.
BLAZERS:
The “boyfriend blazer” was all the rage last season, and although the madness has died down, ‘this business gone cas' item remains a staple in any fashion-conscience girl's closet. To a Parisian, a blazer is as necessary as a purse, and their mentality is evidentially catching on here. Thicker, wool versions can keep shivers at bay for cooler days, while lighter, cotton ones are perfect for just a slight breeze. Impossible to get wrong, a blazer can top a grungy tee and jeans combo, as well as a sparkly cocktail dress. Longer versions act more coat-like. If you intend on “blazing” your way through winter's final attempts, look for one with good lining.
After a solid season's showing of jackets galore, these toppers are decidedly the “it” garment while we transition into warmer days. With trends and cuts suited for all, there is certainly one out there for you, no matter your need. Here are a few of my favs:
LEATHER:
Forever a classic, this season, the leather jacket is having a moment in the spotlight, as leather has become THE “au currant” fabric of choice among fashion designers, as of late. Make this trend “2010” by choosing an unexpected colour, like a nice smoky gray or a rich, “taupey” brown. Detailing, such as bold, contrasting stitching, or a few well-placed pintucks will refresh this classic look. The bomber is still the standard “go anywhere” cut, but the more adventurous can opt for a cropped, asymmetrically-zippered biker style leaning more towards Balmain, than Burberry.
MILITARY:
Long since a favourite trend of mine, I chalk up my infatuation with this look to my love of natural tones and inclinations towards androgyny. This spring, designers from minimalist enthusiast 3.1 Philip Lim, to young and fresh Alexander Wang, have injected strict orders into their collections giving a salute to army-inspired garb. My absolute favourite take was Marc Jacobs' four-front cargo pocket belted number, complemented with a silk ruffled damask trim, adding just enough feminine glamour to the strong and masculine piece. With a price tag that exceeds the limit on my Visa card, I sadly won't be clamouring to Saks to get my hands on one anytime soon. Fortunately, every contemporary designer (think Juicy Couture, Theory, Rag & Bone, etc.) as well as “fast fashion” chain, are loving this look, making it easy to at least appear as though you attended high-end boot camp. Atten-TION!
DENIM:
Everyone's got “the blues” this season, but fear not: it induces a happy, carefree vibe, not a frown this time around. Back again this season, rocking denim on top was already deemed cool back in the hippie aftermath of the 70s and the acid-wash loving 80s. Make it modern by pairing it with anything white eyelet (a la D&G), or your own by mixing and matching patterns and fabrics. The best way to do denim, this spring, is with anything else NOT denim; be it leggings and a cami, or a cute dress.
BLAZERS:
The “boyfriend blazer” was all the rage last season, and although the madness has died down, ‘this business gone cas' item remains a staple in any fashion-conscience girl's closet. To a Parisian, a blazer is as necessary as a purse, and their mentality is evidentially catching on here. Thicker, wool versions can keep shivers at bay for cooler days, while lighter, cotton ones are perfect for just a slight breeze. Impossible to get wrong, a blazer can top a grungy tee and jeans combo, as well as a sparkly cocktail dress. Longer versions act more coat-like. If you intend on “blazing” your way through winter's final attempts, look for one with good lining.
