Blazing the Way . . .

I’m sure when you look at this photo of the Smythe blazer I bought at the beginning of March, you’ll wonder why I haven’t worn it yet. Me too! Especially since Pater assures me that it’s very flattering on. Especially since it was not a cheap purchase but rather, for me, in the realm of an investment and I should be working down that Cost per Wearing as we speak . . .

What you can’t see in the photo, and where I found the item more challenging that you might think, is that woven into the fabric is silver metallic thread, Lurex, which I began to imagine as Lurid! Shades of Liberace. . . You get a hint of it here in my photo of the cuff/button detail (which I like very much).

But then I decided that since the money was spent, the garment was bought, and I had liked it when I bought it (altho’ I had reservations, which both the Sales Assistant and Pater talked me out of on the basis of the flattering fit, the classic line, the dress-me-up/dress-me-down flexibility, etc.,), I’d better figure out how to wear this, thinking Classic with a Twist. So I imagined that Karen was doing her consulting thing in my closet and I set myself herGarment-three-Ways challenge.
So in the next post or two or three, I’ll show you the Polyvore-on-the-Floor outfits I’ve come up with — not sure about posting tomorrow as I’ll be vacating the house while it’s being defended from marauding carpenter ants. Meanwhile, check out the shapely tailoring of the jacket’s back (that vent is perfectly placed!)

and get your sunglasses ready for some Twisted Classic viewing . . .

14 Comments

  1. mette
    29 April 2010 / 5:46 am

    I think that is a lovely jacket. I´ll be waiting for your polyvores!

  2. Glennis
    29 April 2010 / 5:54 am

    I've never liked metallics – lurex, lame, etc. But that looks kinda cool.

  3. Tiffany
    29 April 2010 / 6:17 am

    Gorgeous blazer – can't wait for the Polyvores on the Floor.

  4. indigo16
    29 April 2010 / 12:18 pm

    It is true that often the body con stuff that flatters is also the hardest to wear/relax in. I know that once on you will look and feel like a million dollars though.

  5. NancyDaQ
    29 April 2010 / 1:57 pm

    What a nice blazer–I adore the sleeve detail.

  6. Susan B
    29 April 2010 / 3:38 pm

    That's exactly the kind of blazer I've been on a quest for! Love those details, and I don't think it looks "Liberace" at all!

  7. hostess of the humble bungalow
    29 April 2010 / 5:40 pm

    I like the weave of the fabric and the sleeve detail with those adorable buttons…waiting for the floor shots!

  8. Duchesse
    29 April 2010 / 10:43 pm

    Smythe make good clothes and I am sure you will find how to make it work. If not I can see a long line who would be willing to take it!

  9. materfamilias
    29 April 2010 / 10:49 pm

    Thanks v. much, all — I'm wearing it today, and even in the sunshine, I'm managing the flash . . . photos coming. Hostess, Pseu, Nancy: yes, it's the details, esp. the sleeves/buttons, that grabbed me.
    Duchesse: I've been hearing about this line — good Canadian co. — and I'm pleased with what I see quality-wise. Not surprised you already know them.

  10. Mervat
    30 April 2010 / 12:31 am

    I have considered and reconsidered this style of classic-jacket-with-a-twist. Seeing this I need to stop thinking and get shopping! I would love to see what you paired it with!

    Mervat.

  11. materfamilias
    30 April 2010 / 3:44 pm

    Mervat: Welcome! I love having new commenters, so thanks for taking the time. Having worn this jacket yesterday, I'm now wondering what took me so long — it's way easier to work into the mix than I thought. So yes, I think it's time for you to shift from contemplation to some shopping action. . . enjoy!

  12. Mardel
    30 April 2010 / 11:37 pm

    What a lovely jacket. I like the way the weave of the fabric photographs and I am sure it must be very nice in person and not at all Liberace-like. The sleeve detail is fabulously intriguing. I look forward to the polyvores.

    Good luck with those carpenter ants, oh how i hate those things.

  13. Miss Cavendish
    1 May 2010 / 1:15 am

    You can wear lurex! It is best in small doses, obviously, and adds a nice street edge to that smart jacket . . .

  14. materfamilias
    1 May 2010 / 3:40 pm

    Mardel: Yes, I like the play of the slightly-homespun-linen-weave with the glitter of lurex, the way those two aesthetics confound expectations of either. And also yes, boo to carpenter ants (at least in/around the house)!
    Miss C: This is what I'm finding — it's not as hard as I thought. Thanks for the encouragement.

Copyright

Unless otherwise stated, all words and photographs in this blog are my own. If you wish to use any of them, please give me credit for my work. And it should go without saying, but apparently needs to be said: Do not publish entire posts as your own. I will take the necessary action to stop such theft. Thanks.