Jackets are supposed to keep you warm. So, they should have sleeves, right? Sure, if that’s all you want your jacket to do. But if you consider the more expansive role of a jecket in tying an outfit together, then maybe short sleeves are okay?

Duh. Of course they’re okay! Especially when they’re not only adorable, but also feminine and refined. I’m totally nuts for this little number, even though it isn’t the most practical option for winter. Luckily, I live in the sub-tropics, so it isn’t exactly impractical, either. Anyways the high neck and delicate pin tucks bring soft structure …read more

Cropped coats can be so tricky, and I’m going to work through this with you! I have a cropped coat that’s been nothing but challenging in terms of styling, and I have learned a lot about how to make this particular silhouette work. If you’re afraid of having your plus cropped coat look baggy or shapeless, this is what I do to tailor the fit just for me.
1. Pin it! If your cropped plus jacket is too boxy, fold a back seam or gather a small pleat along the back of your coat, and then affix it with a decorative …read more

By Guest Blogger Teresa Louise Johnson
The high fashion world is your playground, if you want it to be. The romantic in you, who also likes some ruffles to cover up her extra bits, won’t be able to resist the Colette Jacket & Bell Tolls Top by Nanette Lepore. The top portion of the outfit is the perfect example of how designer looks can work for moms, even the jacket alone with a belt and tee or tank underneath and jeans would work for a stylish but flattering look. The asymmetrical detail at the back adds that extra pizzazz wardrobe weary …read more

I’m in love with affordable suiting, and Spiegel’s a good choice if you’re a size 14 to a size 24W. This suit jacket, for example, is just $64 in black and has a mysterious “back ruffle” which is as tempting as it is confusing. There’s a secret detail at the back which isn’t pictured in any of the images, but it sounds cool enough to risk a purchase and see what’s up. Not only does it have impressive detailing, but it also has bound seams. Oooh, and you can machine wash it–it’s a polyester weave that’s pretty much classic.
I’d get …read more

This jacket, which is available only at Saks, is on sale for a pretty impressive price right now, and if you’re into designer plus pieces and have a comfortable budget, I recommend you check it out. This Z from Zenobia jacket has metal closures at cuffs and front button closure.
Isn’t this jacket just perfect for women looking for a clean, lean black coat for career and life in general? I’m really liking this one, even though the price is steep, because it looks like one of those coats you can wear for a decade, on and off, without even realizing …read more

I know that for those of you in the heart of summer heatspells, it seems unlikely that fall will ever come. But come it will, and with it confusion about how to continue to wear your still new summer frocks without looking foolish. I love this cropped jacket as a great to way to warm up a cocktail dress, and just as a great way to warm up.
The short, open style is small enough to allow the details of a dress to show through, but substantial enough to provide a bit of warmth. I think it would look amazing with …read more

Well my lovely readers, let see – today is the official first day of Autumn, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s also Monday.
And it seems like the unseasonably warm weather I’ve been enjoying has come to an end.  In fact, it’s pouring rain and is down to the single-didgets… brrrrrr!
So what’s my accessory pick for the day?
Jackets – stylish, feminine and useful jackets!
I love the detailling on this “Swing” raincoat by Manoush (I’m not sure how practical the 3/4 length sleeves would be on a day like today, where the rain is falling sideways though…)

image: Yoox …read more

JK Rowling wore a spectacular silk coat by Dior at a recent awards ceremony.  While I haven’t been able to track down the same coat, I did find this one by Dior:

It has the same jeweled belt and is a luxurious 100% silk – just in a trendy green animal print, rather than paisley.  Rowr!

Katie Holmes, looking impossibly leggy at the David Letterman show in New York.
Image source
Want to pull off the same look? May I suggest the red belted trench coat from Ferre’?

I’m not quite sure what happened… it was gloriously hot last week – and it’s now feeling like October.
So not fair!
My apologies to those of you still suffering in summer heat – we’re going to talk jackets today!
I love this new motorcyle jacket from Rock & Republic:

It’s their “Paice Washed Leather” jacket.
If leather isn’t quite your style, how about a lambswool melton jacket from L.A.M.B.?

I love that turquoise color!
And since I seem to be going with bolder colors today…

How about this merino wool jacket from Alexander McQueen?