I’m feeling very back-to-school right now. I know it’s still August, and I’m not actually going back to school, but I’ve got a serious case of new bag/blazer/shoe lust going on. Especially new blazer lust. Every since I was a Brosette (kind of, at least a little bit, I used to wear Grolsch bottle tops on my shoes and I owned Push, but I never went to see them live) I’ve had at least one blazer in my wardrobe but the one I currently own, bought from Aritzia on a work trip to NYC many years ago, is looking a little past its best.
I’m blaming my blazer lust on the latest issue of In Style. Inside cover star Sky Ferreira is sporting a grey-fleck Saint Laurent blazer that’s all kinds of awesome. It’s also, “Wait, did I read that right?” £2280, which is an awful lot of money even considering that it comes with a brooch attached. There’s investment dressing and there’s only-if-you’re-the-COO-of-a-reasonably-sized-company-that’s-doing-really-rather-well-thank-you-very-much investment dressing. For a decent cost per wear I’d have to wear it every day for, like, ever and that’s ignoring the fact I’d have to remortgage my flat to buy it in the first place. Sigh. (I think this is it without the brooch, still a gasp-inducing £1855).
Luckily there are some lovely blazers on the high street, like the Grey Flecked Blazer with contrast trim in the image above, which is £59.99 from Mango. Also at the affordable end of the high street I like the black Double Draped Jacket, which is a very reasonable £46 from Warehouse. I’m into how it’s been styled over a grey t-shirt, with slim fit trousers and black buckle-up shoes, for added back-to-school vibes.
At the higher end of the high street, my fave, and the one that’s probably the most similar to the Saint Laurent blazer, is this dark charcoal Smith Donegal Blazer from Whistles, which is getting into serious investment territory at £180, especially if you were to buy the matching wide leg trousers at £130.
Also at the high end of the high street I like Jigsaw’s navy Knit Tailoring Jacket that would look just as good dressed up as down but at £198 would require serious thought-before-purchase. Over at Reiss the navy Apache Tailored Jacket, caught my eye, it comes in at a sharp-intake-of-breath £245 but it is a wear-forever shape. Can I just ask when high street blazers busted through the £200 mark? Clearly prices have marched ever upwards since my days of full time office working and once-a-year blazer buying.
When it comes to potentially big ticket purchases that I’ll have in my wardrobe for several years I like to take my time and so I going to try and wait a little longer before I take the plunge and actually throw down my credit card – I’ve got a feeling there’ll be lots more blazers hitting the shops soon, which won’t make the decision any easier.
Anyone else got that back to school feeling? Bought the bag/blazer/shoes to prove it? Do share below!
I’m off to purchase new shoes this week. And in true back to school style I’m going for brogues from…. Clarks! Yep, back to my childhood. Do you think they might measure my feet for me?! I have to say though, I’m loving their styles at the moment and any shoes I’ve got from their are just so comfy. I also have my eye on some mushroom coloured ankle boots that will be perfect for winter. xx
I bought a great pair of wedges from Clarks a couple of seasons ago Lottie, loved them! Was kinda sad my feet are probably too big for the foot measurer machine (do they still have those?!) Also I already know my size… x
My niece was telling me that they use an iPad to measure your feet in Clarks now. Is nothing sacred?!
An iPad? No way!!!
I have to say I love this ‘back to school’ time of year. I’m definitely back to school shopping as I’m back to Uni in October. Brogues tick, satchel tick, new pencil case tick!
The Whistles blazer is exactly what I’m after but slightly beyond the student budget. I shall stick with my more casual jersey blazer I got last spring for now!
Oh my goodness Rachel you actually have a legit reason to buy a new pair of brogues, a new satchel and stationery galore! What are you studying?
Midwifery. I have to spend half my life in a hideous uniform and ugly shoes so lovely things the rest of the time are even more essential
Yes, definitely, good to treat yourself to lovely things. Lots of luck with the studying!
Loving the grey Mango blazer. I’m totally addicted to blazers! They’re just perfect for smartening up an otherwise casual outfit.
I’ve always found Zara to be great for basic blazers as they do them in lots of different colours plus, you can put them in the washing machine on a low spin which saves a trip to the dry cleaners. Topshop had some beautiful pastel coloured blazers this summer (I bought a lovely blush pink one) so I’m hoping they’ll have some new additions for AW15.
The Mango blazer is great isn’t it? I’m loving the piping. I’ve never actually bought a blazer from Zara (I’m not sure why, I’ve probably bought ‘most every other clothing item from there) but I’m loving the sound of a blazer you can chuck in the washing machine!
I gasped when I looked at Reiss blazers a little while ago – I only wanted a plain black one and I couldn’t bear to part with that sort of money for high street. In the end I found a Theory one on The Outnet which was both higher quality and cheaper (plus I always like the satisfaction of knowing it had 60% off, or whatever it was – always feels like a bargain even if still expensive!!). So – I would thoroughly recommend the Outnet for a quick browse as well…
I know, I can’t believe how expensive they’ve gotten, they used to be one of my go-tos for blazers Annie! I’ve never actually shopped on the Outnet but I’m very tempted right now…!
I fell in love with these brogues from Paul Smith (http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/uk-en/shop/womens/shoes/brogues/women-s-oxblood-leather-bertie-brogues.html) at Heathrow last week and haven’t stopped thinking about them since but they would be a real investment buy. The most I have spent on an item of clothing (apart from my wedding dress in £125, they would last a long time and wouldn’t go out of style but I am wondering whether to take the leap and treat myself…
I love them Claire, absolute classic, you would wear them for ever.
Clarks+Brogues = winning combination! I absolutely love mine. I finally found the grey blazer I was after in H&M last week but I think I’ll be checking out Mango too. Great post! x
Thanks Rachel! I think I need a pair of brogues in my life now…