Jacket – Josephine Chaus (via eBay – similar)
Blouse – Ann Taylor (similar)
Jeans – NYDJ
Booties – Cole Haan
Brooch – Unknown (have had for at least a decade – similar)
I wasn't looking for a jacket like this on eBay, in fact I was looking for a sequined skirt. This showed up in the search, and I totally fell for it. I know Josephine Chaus is more of a department store career wear sort of brand, but I loved the colors, the embellishment, and the super duper low price (less than $20). It's a hair small (can't close over my bust), the shirt is a hair large (a 14 regular, last worn here), but together I think they really work nicely. I think this jacket will also be adorable come spring – I have tried it over sheath dresses and like the effect.
This post also shows how desperately I need jeans – my size 12 NYJDs look dumpy, my 10s look like jeggings, and with my weight loss I need a lower rise. This has been a frustrating search all fall and winter – this body is not yet made to wear jeans and trousers (or else a silhouette that flatters it is not currently popular). I will continue to search – in fact I just ordered two pairs of denim trousers from two different retailers and hope at least one pair fits a bit – I'd be happy to have a pair altered to fit if they at least look good enough from the get-go that I would need to have them completely recreated!
I was surprised to see a look like this on you. But I like it and you look fabulous and so healthy.
Thanks for the suggestion Alison!
Have you ever tried Lee Premium Plus Trouser Jeans? I live in them and find them at Belk in my area. They come in both misses and women’s sizes. I have them in black, dark denim and even brown. They are a very structured trouser style with a plain wash. The back pockets have a flap with a button which I don’t need with my rear issues, so I just cut it off, tuck the little bit left into the welt pocket underneath stitch it closed and go on about my business.
LOL!
Hi had the same “rearend” challenges with BR. I guess WW has made my behind BR friendly š
Thanks Marie! I meet so many parents who don’t even know that the AAP recommends until 2 (or have even hear of the AAP). Not knocking pediatricians, but it isn’t their job to be up-to-date on all safety measures. I can’t help but share such a video, the more we know the better we can make decisions for our little ones. š
Thank you so much for the car seat video. I just had this discussion with my husband this evening about the rear facing seat. We have 2 toddlers and he wanted to turn my daughters seat to forward facing. I think we will turn my sons to rear facing (he will be 3 in March). Its not worth the risk, thanks again I love your outfit today, I have been reading your blog for a few years now.
I’ll have to try the Levi’s, thanks for the suggestion! I had one pair of LOFT jeans that didn’t hold up even an hour; I’ll have to try them again.
LOL I felt like a matador this AM when I looked at the outfit in the mirror!
This shirt is too big in every single way, I don’t think it’s cost-effective to alter but have yet been able to part with it. This was the only jacket I have in my closet that made it work. Love the top but this may be the last time I wear it. š
And thanks at least for thinking of me with my denim search!
I do like a higher rise on me, but now these jeans are so high that they are past my belly button. An inch I think it all I need it to be lowered, but I agree, the higher rise does give me a slimmer line. Lucky Brand sent me a pair of the most lovely jeans but they are a low rise and make me look 10 pounds heavier.
It could be that I’m old, but I think that rise is flattering. It hits at your waist, leaving the below-the-waist part not in the spotlight. A plus of your figure is that you’re fairly straight through the hips so once you get the tummy covered you present a nice slim line.
Aw, I want to like this but for me it’s not quite working … I think because the jacket is quite detailed, the addition of the frilled shirt just makes it too 80s/Austin Powers for me. I do really like it with a white colour top, but I think something plainer might allow the jacket to shine better. Similarly I’d really like to see the shirt with a plain jacket so it could be a standout piece in its own right (just thinking, it could be really cute with your blue pencil skirt?) Sorry!!
As for jeans, unfortunately being UK-based there’s probably not much point me telling you my favoured brands, but I hope you find the perfect pair!
They might not be dressy enough for you, but I’ve found that Levi’s 529 Curvy Boot Cut is rigid enough to keep from stretching out during the day and flatters the rear end. Those and Ann Taylor Loft original boot cut are about all I wear anymore – most other jeans have too much give and sag by the end of the day.
Thanks for the suggestion! I haven’t tried Banana Republic in a while – their pants didn’t give enough room for my rear pre-Emerson but I haven’t tried them since. I’ll have to see how they fit now!
Love the jacket, such nice colors and pop of bling.
I feel for you on the pants, I’m not quite petite in length but regulars have to high of a rise.
I’ve been living in my Banana Republic trouser jeans: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25789&vid=1&pid=813231&scid=813231002
I got the petite, which are still very long (I can wear them with 4 inch heels and I’m almost 5’5″). The rise is close to perfect, not to tall, not to short. Their Sloane pants also have a nice short rise and nice stretch for dress trousers, but they shrink length wise, from dry cleaning.
Thank you, I’ll be sure to share once I hit the denim jackpot! š
I love the peek of the ruffle from under the jacket. That is a fun color too. Good luck in the jean hunt!
Thanks so much Cari, and happy holidays to you as well! š
Exactly! Totally took advantage of it (and the jacket hides that the shirt is too big in the shoulders!).
Exactly, while the jeans I guess look fine to others, they just don’t feel right to me. I think a heavier weight or a more trouser cut would fit my personal style a bit better. š
Thank you!
Whoa! You look great mama!!! I haven’t been on in a while. You really look great! Love the outfit of course =) Happy holidays!
These are the only jeans I allow in my drawer because they are the most flattering of all – with the types of legs I have and being petite, there are few styles that fit and NYDJ is the best of all (and SOOOO comfortable!). I think IRL they look a bit too matronly. A tan belt may have helped – I tried an aqua one and my black one with the pave buckle but both highlighted the midsection and detracted from the jacket so I went without. I don’t have a tan one… that would be a good addition to the wardrobe, thank you!
In this case, the fact that the jacket does not close all the way is a plus because your pretty ruffles fill in the space. Otherwise it would smoosh the ruffles! š
I love this look, and oh my, you are so slender. I don’t immediately see the jean problem, but I understand you must feel comfortable *in* your jeans.
Love! This outfit could look a bit matronly, but you rock it! Love the brooch toning in with the jacket. And those colours sing on you.
I loved this outfit when I saw it and couldn’t believe how flattering the jeans were. Then I read what you had to say about the outfit and was surprised you don’t like the jeans. I thought you look great and really slim before reading your commentary. Would something like a tan skinny belt with the jeans make a difference here?
Thank you so much!
Really cute jacket, and you look so pretty in that color!
Thanks Alyson!
Thanks Sonia!
love how you paired this top with the jacket; great look!
Allie, I LIKE the look! I would have never considered this jacket, but I love how your brooch brings out the embellishments perfectly! The blouse is lovely too–I adore ruffles. Your jeans look great and are not too casual or frumpy at all.