My August Obsession - Veronica Beard Blazers

While most people I know are in beach/vacation/bathing suit mode right now, I'm in a full-blown-fall-fashion state of mind.  Call me crazy, but it's in the stores and ladies, NOW is the time to start shopping!  Especially for the hard-to-find transition outfits for fall.  I am trolling websites, stores, and trunk shows looking to fill the gaps in my wardrobe.  And as you all know, blazers have been a complete obsession for many years.  With the perfect navy blazer snugly hanging in my closet, my attention turns to finding the perfect black blazer.

My August obsession actually started back in May when Lisa and I had a 36-hour mini-break from our families, which really is a 36-hour shopping fest.  Just saying.  At any rate, we were in Viola Lovely in Boston's South End, when I happened upon a Veronica Beard blazer.  These are not 'normal' jackets.  These are super-cool and edgy jackets.  These are AWESOME.  

Images from veronicabeard.com.

Blazers with faux hoodie linings (and sometimes, faux cuffs!)!  Ok, they call them what they are: dickeys.  (And I hate that word - almost as much as I hate m-o-i-s-t.)  But think of the possibilities?!  Neat black blazer sans dickey for a cleaner look; black blazer with cool hoodie over jeans while running around town.  The options are limitless!

Here's why I'm obsessed:
1.  I need a black blazer desperately.
2.  I love the idea of a cool, multi-purpose jacket.
3.  They sell different dickeys separately, so you can change your look whenever you want.
4.  Viola Lovely didn't have my size at the time, so I'm DYING to try one on!

Basically every day, I've been going to their website waiting for the classic jacket to be in stock (pre-order only now).  And I'm waiting for the lovely ladies at Viola Lovely to call when they receive their shipment of blazers.  And I wait and wait and become more and more obsessed.

So while you are sitting on a beach reading this on your mobile device, I'm at home contemplating when I can get my hands on a Veronica Beard black classic blazer, with a grey, sweatshirt hoodie dickey.  Stay tuned. ~ JH

My April obsession - the Perfect Blazer.

I really shouldn't say 'April' obsession, because it's been years and years of searching.  I've tried on a ton of blazers, both inexpensive ones, and ones I should have never put on my back.  Ever.  

I think everyone should have one great blazer in their closet to stick on over a blouse, pants and heels for a go-to outfit.  It would really make life so simple to have one great blazer.  Check out these images for inspiration.

Images from pinterest.com.

I'd like to have both a navy and a black, but really, I just want ONE THAT FITS.  They've either been too short, too long, too boxy, not enough room in the chest, too tight in the sleeve, too tight in the shoulder.  I really don't want to reconstruct a jacket either at the tailor, but I've been tempted to...

After looking and looking, I think I've found the perfect blazer.  I found myself in J.Crew two weeks ago (and yes, I've tried on their blazers for years) and said, 'what the heck, I'll try on another one'.  I put it on.  Wait.  It fits.  It really fits.  It's perfection!  Here it is.

Image from jcrew.com.

The Thompson Blazer in stretch cotton.  Not too long.  Nipped at waist.  No puff shoulder.  Just plain and perfect.  And the plus?  $178.  Sold.  (30% off this week, using code 'GOSHOP' until May 1st!)  

I bought it right before a trip to London.  I wore it no less than 3 days.  With AG Ballad jeans, ivory Theory blouse, cuffs of blazer unbuttoned and rolled up, and snake skin pumps.  Maybe it appeals to the equestrian in me, but I love it.  It also comes in white and khaki.  Check it out if you are in the market! ~ JH

PS - full disclosure - Lisa bought it in white!