Some History: School uniforms started in the 1500s in England, but the term "blazer" wasn't coined until 1825 by a group of Cambridge University students (the style was later adopted by '60s Mods as a symbol of youthful independence). Who Knew?
The New Schoolboy Blazer: Sometimes we take a lesson from you. You asked for it, so we gave the schoolboy a few new design updates, making it way better and the only blazer you'll ever need.
The Details: (1) A slightly longer length elongates everything, so it's extra flattering. (2) Our silky stripe lining makes it even more comfortable. (3) Four buttons instead of three add detail and polish. (4) A menswear-inspired ticket pocket can hold little stuff like lipstick or credit cards- though we prefer keeping it closed.
Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge WoolInspired by traditional British riding jackets, our newest wear-with-all third piece features a longer, leaner silhouette with a nipped-in waist for a flattering effect. Crafted in the same double-serge wool we use in our sleek structured suiting, it's the kind of jacket you'll wear—and love—for seasons to come (we're wearing ours riding subways, bicycles and, of course, horses). Fitted. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Welt pockets, interior pockets. Functional buttons at cuffs. Back vent. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.This jacket is the 2011 version of J.Crew's Solid Lexington Jacket (Item 88573; $250.00) from 2007. The 2007 version came in several great shades (as shown below): citron (bright yellow), soft azalea (pink), ivory, heather nickel, iris, and black. (Image provided by Life As a Cat's "Holiday 2007" catalog post.)
The 2011 Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool comes in some pretty fabulous shades too: black, heather acorn, pine, bright turquoise, heather bright berry. It was hard deciding which one to get, because they are all so beautiful. I ended up with Heather Bright Berry and Heather Acorn. (I am very happy that I did as one is a rich red and the other a gorgeous neutral brown.)
When it comes to sizing, I found it is true-to-non-vanity-sizing. In other words, I went with a size 2 and it fit perfectly. (I am a size 34B for reference.) The measurements for this jacket are a tiny bit smaller than the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone (refer to the "Product Review: Hacking Jacket in Herringbone" post.) So you may want to double check with J.Crew the measurements in your size .
Which reminds me about the buttons. They have these little pineapple designed enamel buttons. The buttons do not seem like the same quality as the nautical themed buttons of the Lexington. However, I don't mind it because they are that cute in person! From what I can tell, the buttons on all of these jackets (no matter the color selected) is the same.
Overall, I adore this jacket! I can easily see it being a staple in any one's wardrobe thanks to its classic elements. I would highly recommend it.
Hacking Jacket in HerringboneInspired by traditional British riding jackets, our newest wear-with-all third piece features a longer, leaner silhouette with a nipped-in waist for a flattering effect. Crafted in one of our favorite menswear-inspired herringbones in completely crush-worthy colors, it's the kind of jacket you'll wear—and love—for seasons to come (we're wearing ours riding subways, bicycles and, of course, horses). Wool. Fitted. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Flap pockets. Functional buttons at cuffs. Back vent. Fully lined. Hits below hip. Import. Dry clean.
Luckily, my local store had some of these jackets available for me to try on. When it came to sizing, I went with the size 2. (For reference, I am a 34B.) No vanity sizing here (unlike other jackets from current seasons, where I can size down to 0 easily because they are cut generously). The size 2 fit me best here. It's like J.Crew sizing from 2007-8! ;) I should add that the shoulders seemed to fit a bit short, but perfect in the waist.
The length of this jacket is slightly longer than some of their other jackets. Since I am a pair shape, this creates a slight opening in the back flap. I don't mind this look, but some may be concerned. Therefore, you may want to try this jacket on beforehand (if that option is available to you).
This jacket has been getting a love of love in the blog-o-sphere. I think it is on everyone's list of must-have-now!
So I recently was in my closet and made a startling observation: I had not purchased a jacket or blazer from J.Crew's current collection in awhile. (Okay, just the past few months. But even in the previous months, not many were purchased.) |  |
J.Crew offered the best little details on jackets, besides the silk-tie prints under collars. For example, they also used the most beautiful prints on the inside lining of their jackets. Like a little surprise when you took off the coat. :)
Marled Thandie BlazerOur design team's latest blazer brilliance? Knit. In cotton/wool jacquard with a brushed surface (we love its supple handfeel and speckled character), this double-breasted classic boasts a soft, drapey blazer fit that feels easy and modern. Adding to the chic factor are raw-edge seams. Lapel collar. Long sleeves. Welt pockets. Buttons at cuffs. Back vent. Partially lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.Let me start by saying that my receipt labels this jacket as the "Wool Haberdashery Molly Jacket". Not sure why, but there you have it. Now onto the jacket... Loves it!
I never gave this jacket any thought when I saw it online. However, I really loved it after seeing it in-person at the store. I think it is because of the way J.Crew styled the model (who is gorgeous). The online photos do not do this jacket justice. It looks boxy online, while it is more fitted in real-life. (That is why the image above, sans model, is more accurate of the jacket's fit.)
As for the fit, I took a size 0. Although there was no size 2 for me to compare to, I think sizing up would work fine too. I found that the jacket fit me perfectly in the body. It looks fitted from the front, although from the side there is some swing to it. Not alot, but just a little.
As I mentioned before, I often check eBay to purchase missed J.Crew merchandise opportunities of seasons' past.
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta & Ketan, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew.This jacket has been discussed on this blog before (refer to the July 15th "J.Crew Email: A chic peek, just for Cardmembers" post.) This jacket looks cute in the email above but not so great in real life. It's missing that "something" for me.Our blazer meets cardigan—elegantly deconstructed and drapey, in buttery panne velvet with sheer blended silk georgette lining and trim for a modern mix of textures and vibes. The finishing touch? A removable grosgrain belt for waist definition and added dimension. Rayon/silk. Lapel collar. Hook-and-bar closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets with flaps. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.
Twill Bomber JacketInspired by a vintage bomber jacket, with classic styling and authentic details (we're throwing it on over our daintiest of dresses for a tough, tomboy-chic edge). Specially washed with an antiqued finish, it's the piece that will slip into your closet and seem like it's been there forever. Cotton. Standing collar. Zip front with button-flap closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets with snap closure. Functional snaps at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.When I first saw this jacket, I admit I was intrigued. But I knew if I waited long enough, I would snag one on sale. ;)
A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the July 2010 issue of Ladies Home Journal, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)
Rose Vines BlazerOur favorite schoolboy blazer, refashioned in a fabulous floral pattern (our designers fell in love with a vintage print they stumbled across at a flea market in the South of France and had it recolored exclusively for us). With a touch of ruching at the back for a sleeker, more feminine silhouette. Specially washed for softness and that broken-in, had-it-forever look and feel, this is a piece that will slip into your closet and seem like it's been there forever. Cotton. Fitted. Lapel collar. Long sleeves. Welt flap pockets, chest pocket. Fully lined. Hits at waist. Import. Machine wash.
This jacket has gotten a lot of press from the JCAs and I can understand why. It really is a super cute piece to wear.
The jacket actually looks better with the sleeves rolled up. I don't know why, but they just do. (I don't think I see myself wearing it with the sleeves down.)
Lollipop Ribbon JacketAn exquisite candy-hued weave (from an esteemed Biella, Italy, mill specializing in magnificent tweeds) sweetens this ladylike jacket. Silk chiffon taping and raw-cut edges add a modern couture feel. Nylon/cotton/linen/rayon. Notch collar. Bracelet sleeves. Flap pockets with button closure.This jacket has been getting a lot of attention from fellow JCAs. Luckily for us, we have a few reviews.
Another big "thanks!" to Summer (in this post) who shared the following review:For those considering the Lollipop Jacket. I bought it FP, decided it was way too much, returned and now I ordered it again. Imo it fits tts. It is somewhat boxy and on me it was similar in fit/sizing to Rose Vines blazer with not much waist definition. I took 6 in this jacket and wondered if I need an 8, while I bought 4 in Dauphine and 2 was a great fit everywhere but the armholes. I am 34D for a reference.
The tweed is very nice but delicate and it will have tendency to snag, I think because of the 'ribbon' content. Overall workmanship, and quality is very good. It reminds me of similar Kate Spade jacket from this season but at $120 it now it has a very good price. It has unfinished edges but from my experience they do not unravel.
The tweed is very different from Collier or Dauphine, thinner and making it much more suitable for spring/summer. It is definitely a 'special' jacket and it will be noticed.
The color is actually quite subtle I think more peach than orange. Overall, if you like it in the picture you should not be dissapointed. When I bought it FP I thought I would never wear it enough to justify the price but at $119 I think it is reasonable for the quality.
"Thanks!" again to ajc & Summer for their great reviews of this jacket!Just got the lollipop jacket. It is nice but does not super excite me. Lots of fraying bits on my trim. Yes, I could cut them off but for $120 I know this could/would become bothersome.
I am in like/not LOVE and I surprisely LOVED my Dauphine I got a couple of weeks ago in the mail. So while the jacket is pretty just not $120 pretty or something I know I would wear a lot.
I know I would grab another jacket I already own first before this one.
"Thanks!" to Marietta & Jaden, who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent yesterday.
The item featured is the Printed Lieutenant Jacket (Item 22562; $128.00) which J.Crew lovingly describes it as:One of our favorites of the season, with an authentic camouflage print and true-to-tradition military details such as twill taping and buttoned epaulets. Borrowed from the boys styling with a fit that's slightly shrunken (and unfailingly feminine), and finished with a special wash to give it that broken-in, had-it-forever feel.I do like the style of some military jackets. I especially adore the Downtown Field Jacket (Item 19034; $148.00) which I was able to snag last winter. (I love, love, love that jacket!) However, when I saw the Printed Lieutenant Jacket in-person I couldn't help think that the camouflage-print limits the jacket (in terms of what to wear it with and where to wear it). Ultimately, I wasn't thrilled with it.
Mint Tweed Griffin CoatThe coat of the season in luscious mint tweed, finished with vintage-inspired faux-horn buttons and a notched hem and sleeves. It feels incredible on—it's an Italian lightweight wool that allows lots of movement while keeping you toasty warm. Wool blend. Closure anchored with interior backer buttons. Long sleeves. On-seam vertical pockets. Fully lined. Hits just above knee. Part of the J.Crew Collection.A big "thanks!" to Modern Antique (in this post), who shared her thoughts on this coat with us. The following is her review:
I just received the mint tweed Griffin coat. I was more excited about this piece that any other this season, but I have to return it because of the fit."Thanks!" again to Modern Antique for her great review!I am 5'9" and always wear a size 4 in J.Crew jackets and coats. The shoulders fit just fine. Straight across the chest was more fitted. There is almost no shape to the waist-it's more of a loose/swing style. The killer was that the arms were 2" too short on me. Looking at the model wearing the coat, I think you can see sort of the same thing-the sleeves only hit her high wrist. Due to the way the sleeves are sewn, I'm not sure a tailor could lengthen them. The fabric isn't folded under, the seam is right there at the bottom edge of the sleeve.
The mint tweed fabric, however, is absolutely gorgeous. The color and the marble faux-horn buttons could not be more beautiful.
On a side note, I was disappointed with the way this item was packaged. The coat was quite rumpled when I received it. It was just folded in half over a piece of cardboard. There was no hanger or anything else to differentiate it as a collection piece.
Hope this helps.
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent today.
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dina, Tiffany Rose, Marietta, as well as Green_Dino (in this post), who let us know the following offers.
"Thanks!" to Marietta who let us know about the most recent email J.Crew sent this morning.
Also, as many of you JCAs noticed, the sale section (click here) updated this morning by increasing stock and even lowering prices for several items. It's a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the free shipping (no minimum) promo code LOVEJCREW which expires today, 11/2/09.
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email with us.You can do skinny. (Trust us) Our super skinny toothpick jean in a chic new ankle length.Oh, how I want to trust you J.Crew. {sigh} Unfortunately, the skinny jeans look just does not work for my pear shape frame.
