The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 07

Contender # 06 - Blazer by Maison Martin Margiela

Of all the blazers that I have been eyeing, this one is number one!  It has the edgy details that appeals to me (from the asymmetric zipper closure, to zipper details reminiscent of a leather motorcycle jacket in a wool blend, to a short fit rarely seen in blazers).  It can be dressed up or dressed down for whatever occasion.  Because it looks unique compared to most blazers, I would not mind spending the $1640 plus tax , despite the fact that it is a blend and not pure wool!

However, IT IS NOT IN BLACK!!  The only thing preventing me from ending my search for the ideal blazer is that fact that this blazer is in navy!  It would not be as versatile compared to if it were in black.  This jacket makes me go, "Why is this not available in BLACK!?"

Is it fully off my list?  Not just yet.  However, the quest lingers on... even if it means having to wait until the Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 05

Contender # 05 - Blazer by Dolce & Gabbana

This blazer falls under what I call, "What in the world where the designers thinking not having this in black!?"  Hands down, this would have been a major contender for my ideal blazer!  For one, I love the double-breasted look.  There is something stately and regal about the look that screams expensive and worth the price (and befits my pompous and arrogant personality).  It also does not hurt that it is currently trending and making a comeback as a suit separate or sports jacket.  With this blazer, I also am a fan of the military, Napoleonic details provided by the asymmetric buttons and epaulets.  I also love the short fit on this blazer that is typically seen in motorcycle jackets.  These details add an edgy and non-traditional twist to a classic article of clothing.  It is structured and conservative, with hints of toughness: An example of my "Conservative with an Edge" style aesthetic.

However, there are two main cons that make me reluctant to purchase.  The first one being that it is only available in light gray.  Although this blazer can be paired with most pants, the shirts, on the other hand, become an issue.  It would be difficult to pair different colored shirts to place under the blazer, without having the outfit look like there is too much going on or trying too hard.  Another problem is fitting.  Because this is an online store item, it is unavailable in any Dolce & Gabbana boutiques.  For me to want to spend that much money on one item, I need to be absolutely in love and I need to be able to touch it and readily take it with me.  But that is not possible with this blazer.

Despite the cons, I am not ready just yet to cross this off my list.  However, I am also not that convinced to want to meet the $1,295 ticket price.

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 04

Contender # 04 - Satin and Wool Voile Blazer by D&G

Of all the D&G blazers that are/were in contention, this third blazer has the most potential.  For one, it has a fashion-forward look.  The blazer has enough waist suppression that it gives the wearer and obvious shape, instead of a traditional boxy look.  Another point is that it contains one button, where traditionally blazers are either had two or three buttons.  Also, it has a short fit, where the bottom of the blazer rests just slightly below the waist and not covering the pants pocket.  As stylish as this sports coat is, this piece gets the most points because it is actually in black.  This is a very difficult find especially in the Spring/Summer collections.

However, there are also cons to this blazer.  For one, as already mentioned, this is a blazer that can only be purchased online and makes it difficult to fit before purchasing.  The second downside is material.  It is made of 91% wool and 1% silk, luxurious fabrics.  However, the remaining 8% are synthetics (6% polyester, 2% elastane).  It makes me think, "Is fabric composition worthy of the $835 ticket price?"  The last con is how practical will this blazer be.  My friend Camille noted that with texture and sheen and construction, it looks very formal that it might be difficult to dress down the piece.

Those are a lot of things to think about, but there are still other candidates in the wing...  Stay tuned! 

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 03

Two days ago, I posted a convertible blazer to waistcoat by D&G.  Here is another unique D&G blazer that at one point was in contention for my ideal, go-to blazer.

Contender # 03 - D&G's Short-Sleeve Blazer

As often mentioned, my style aesthetic is "Conservative With An Edge."  Essentially, what that means is traditional, structured outfits styled in ways that add personality and attitude.  This short-sleeved blazer did all that.  Blazers all tend to be long-sleeved and full-length.  This jacket defies most traditions by opting to go in a rarely, if ever, seen short-sleeves with a short fit (where the bottom of the coat goes slightly below the waist).

However, after getting over the style shock, reality hit me.  This blazer, while edgy and unique, is not the most practical.  It can only be worn with short-sleeved wovens or shirts or knits, and nothing with long sleeves (that is unless one want to roll their sleeves all the way up).  This would not be as appropriate in business meeting or a conservative corporate work environment.  This would get the most mileage on nights out or date night or partying with friends.

Ultimately, as much as I loved the inherently personality of this piece, pragmatism and utilitarianism won over style and attitude.  Yes, it met the "Conservative with an Edge" and "material worth the price" criteria on my checklist.  But, I'm looking for something that will get more use than just one night.  So, if only I could afford more than one blazer, for now, I would have to cross this off my list.  

(On a side note: It also failed the other two important points, as well: It is not available in D&G boutiques, only online, and it is in dark blue, not black.)   

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 02

For this series of posts, I have been sharing with you potential contenders for my blazer.  Yesterday, I showed you a high-fashion blazer by Ann Demeulemeester.  Today, and for the next two posts, I will highlight for you jackets from the more youthful brand of the house of Dolce & Gabbana, D&G.

Contender # 02 - D&G's Cotton Blazer

Although from the front it looks like any other blazer, it stands apart in several ways.  First, it is 100% cotton.  It is light enough to be able to use during summer months.  Second, it has unique proportions and stylings.  The blazer has a short fit, unlike most jackets of its kind.  The sleeves are longer than the bottom of the sports coat itself.  Third, it is surprisingly multipurpose.  The sleeves actually have zippers.  

The sleeves can be removed to convert the sports coat into a waistcoat (vest)!  It is a 2-for-1 deal!

However, this blazer failed to meet two very important criteria!  First, this item is not available in D&G boutiques.  The Dolce & Gabbana corporation is set up in such a way that the items available on the website are exclusively available on the site and not in the stores.  With that, again, it is difficult to see how well this blazer will fit me and if it is worth the $800 ticket.  Second, and more important, it is NOT in black!

Oh well... It has appeal, but not enough to win me over...

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer - Contender 01

In my previous post, I talked about what I was looking for in a stylish go-to blazer.  After several weeks of extensive searching, several coats have come close to being purchased, but each had their own flaws that made me say, "Not just yet!"  Here is the first of the bunch!

Contender # 01 - Ann Demeulemeester's Reinforced Stretch Cotton Jacket

When I first posted this on my Facebook wall, one of my friends noted that this jacket was just my style. And she was right.

This jacket meets several of the criteria that my ideal blazer should have.  First, it is made of a mostly cotton blend with elastane for stretch.  Considering the price, the composition of the material was okay enough to justify the $1,292 price tag.  Second, it fits my non-traditional aesthetic.  It has the double-breasted look made unique and stylish with the Napoleonic details on the front with the asymmetric buttons.  The details add edginess to what would have otherwise been just a boring structured and conservative look.  More importantly, it met the deal-breaking criterion of being in black.

However, it failed to meet a very important criterion:  It is not available to be fit in stores, at least in California!  This jacket is available only through a European online retailer.  One of the problems with shopping for blazers online is the fit.  While it may look good on the model as shown on the website, it might not fit on me.  If only this blazer were available in Los Angeles, this would still be a serious contender.

But we shall see.  I might re-consider if this blazer gets a significant price reduction from the end-of-season sale the website usually undergoes.  I refuse to pay full price for something that I might not be able to wear because of sizing issues.  Thoughts?

The Impossible Dream?: My Ideal Blazer

Contrary to the words of high-end Italian designer Domenico Dolce of the eponymous label Dolce & Gabbana, "It's simple: Everyone should have a black blazer," I never had an interest to add the closet staple to my own wardrobe.  Personally, I have never felt the need to use one.  However, ever since I started working my two new positions as a part-time instructor at a community college and a retail sales associate, I relented.  Now, I have been looking to add a stylish go-to black blazer/sports coat to my wardrobe.  

Ever since I have had a style evolution, not once have I given a time of day to the blazer.  However, after reading fashion magazines and seeing different runway stylings, it has become evident that they really are versatile wardrobe must-haves.  Sports coats can be dressed up by wearing dress-pants, button-down shirt, and a tie for a business-casual look.  Blazers can also be dressed down by pairing it with denim.  Essentially, one blazer can be styled with other pieces in many different ways.  

And so began the quest to find my ideal blazer!  I had four main criteria:

1. It had to fit my "Conservative with an Edge" style aesthetic.  Translation: Conservative enough to be worn in an office setting, but with details that make it non-traditional and unique.
2. The blazer MUST be available in store for a fitting.
3. The composition of the material MUST be directly proportional to the price.
4. It MUST be in black.

If I had to create an inspiration board for my ideal blazer, it would be a hybrid of the following looks:

My ideal piece would be a tailored, double-breasted blazer like this Neil Barrett super skinny double-breasted jacket (image screencapped from the Neil Barrett online boutique).:

It would have the (rarely seen in menswear blazer) short fit of this Dolce & Gabbana satin and wool voile women's blazer (image screen capped from the Dolce & Gabbana online boutique).:

The blazer would ideally have zippers and asymmetric details more commonly found in leather motorcycle jackets like this biker jacket in python nubuck suede by Gucci (image screencapped from the online Gucci boutique).

As I began my online window-shopping, it slowly started to dawn on me that my ideal blazer might not even exist.  There were several pieces that caught my attention, but all had flaws that were making me reluctant to purchase them.  Over the next couple of blog posts, I'll share with you what blazers nearly came close to being purchased!  Stay tuned!