My Hero!
Style writers periodically refer to The Hero Piece, a stand-out garment you can throw on for just about any occasion that elevates the entire outfit, and makes you feel fabulous wearing it. The Hero was an item that always seemed to elude me…until now. This paisley print Alberto Makali cotton jacket was an Auspicious Sign From the Universe™ that Karen and I were going to have an outstanding shopping expedition. It was the first thing we spotted on the racks, literally within 30 seconds of stepping off the escalator. I didn’t even wait to get into a dressing room but tried it on right on the floor and knew I was going to buy it. I mean, look at these buttons…
How could I not? It also looks GREAT, very flattering on, and is lightweight enough to wear on all but the most blistering days. The sleeves are unlined and have some elastic ruching which makes them fit close to the arm (another flattery plus) and accounts for that scrunched look in the top picture. Normally I run in the other direction from eyelet fabrics as they tend to be stiff and I find most of them a bit juvenile, but this fabric is really lovely, light and soft, and the paisley print keeps the eyelet from looking too girlish.
This jacket is so versatile, I could put together dozens of ensembles with pieces I already own. Just off the top of my head, here are a few. Now, if the weather would only warm up a bit….
(My camera seems to have decided it can’t multi-task both flash and auto focus at the same time, apologies for the less than clear pics below.)
1. Dressy evening…
Pants: Banana Republic lightweight wool Jackson trousers
Shell: Chico’s
Shoes: Cole Haan
Bag: Vintage Chanel
Cuff: Vintage Hermès
Necklace: Gerard Darel
2. Less dressy evening (or work, with different bag)…
Jeans: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans
Shell: Chico’s
Shoes: Fluevog
Necklace: Chico’s
Clutch bag: Vintage, from eBay
3. Work or weekend…
Silk shell: Eileen Fisher (looks black in this pic but is actually charcoal grey)
Jeans: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans
Sandals: Seychelles
Bag: Nordstrom’s, purchased almost 10 years ago. Does that qualify as vintage?
Necklace: Chico’s
4. Casual work or weekend…
V-neckTee: Caslon from Nordstrom
Jeans: Gap Edition
Shoes: Fluevog
Necklaces: Wendy Brandes silver Diana and Devon Leigh carnelian pendant
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Prada
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. 😉
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Fab fab fab!
Pseu, you have SO got it going on with this jacket — definitely heroic! My sister is a big Alberto Makali fan — she has quite a few pieces that she especially loves for their packing ease — the crinkly-pleated fabric can take anything her suitcases hand out. I looked through a rack of it at Nordstrom Rack without success, but can see the appeal if you find the perfect print in the perfect cut, as you have.
Lovely!
I love this! Isn’t it great to have that one staple piece that you can build so many different outfits around.
Oh my that jacket totally rocks…I am unfamiliar with the name of the jacket designer but it is a stand out piece…love the first ensemble the best but all the others work too…well done…and fun!
Very versatile – looks great with everything!
Once again you find a stellar jacket Pseu. Your fashion eye is really working for you. BTW, I just visited Talbot’s online and they have posted their Fall Lookbook already. I’m already coveting the leopard print coat with the 3/4 length sleeves. You may want to trip on over and see if anything sets your bells off.
Love it — and love each of the outfits you’ve put together! Tout à fait héroïque !
Karen in Paris
Yes, I got the idea! So wonderful that you found your hero! It is love at first sight, isn´t it! I see, that it is easy for you to create these polyvores, as you have one great piece of clothing. The rest just comes automatically, doesn´t it!?
I love that those orange Fluevs are getting into the mix so often. Maybe they’re a bit heroic, too!
I love all these combos- talk about a hard working piece of clothing! Where do you find your vintage products? M
Meanwhile I got a very rude comment saying that “middle aged” women shouldn’t follow trend based nailpolish.
I’m in my 30s which I must admit I thought wasn’t middle aged but the attitude is annoying- why can’t women in their 30s, 40s,50s etc etc all the way up to their 90s follow trends?
I am so over discrimination based on a woman’s age and appearance. Do men experience this?
The worst offenders are other women too.
So much for the Sisterhood.
Great Jacket.
I love jackets – they are the perfect finishing piece on even inexpensive pants and top.
I like everything you’ve put together. Would true “French”-style dressing involve wearing the jacket almost every day and NOT buying anything else for a while?
This is so hard for Americans!
She Wore It Well – thank you, thank you, thank you!
metscan – yes, it was love at first sight! It really does make it effortless to put these ensembles together.
Sal – yes, they’re heroes too. I’ve always been able to find “heroic” accessories, but the garments themselves that rise to that level are tougher.
materfamilias – thanks, and it’s good to know these travel well. I could definitely see packing this jacket for our next European vacation provided we go during late spring or early autumn.
Special – thanks!
Belle – thank you! Yes, it’s great to have this interesting piece as a focal point, really makes the rest easy.
hostess of the humble bungalow – thanks so much!
That’s Not My Age – thank you. I’m really very pleased with how easy this piece is to coordinate.
monalisa1452 – thanks, and I agree! I’ve always felt that a good jacket pulls an outfit together like nothing else.
LaurieAnn – thanks so much! Wow, Talbot’s really has some great looks for fall. That leopard coat WILL be mine!
Frugal Scholar – thanks and yes, that would be the French way. Between this jacket and the other tops I found while shopping with Karen, I feel as though I’m now well set for warmer months, and will have an easier time holding off until fall to make any other purchases.
Karen in Paris – merci bien!
Faux Fuschia – thank you, and I think that commenter is just insecure and envious. You rock the fun nail colors, and everything else! You’re an inspiration.
tiffany – once I can figure out why my camera is being so obstinate, I’ll try to do some action shots.
Utterly charming!
Wow. Now I want to see it on!
Wonderful Deja… what a great buy – certainly a Hero in every sense! And love the outfits you have put together for us to see – thank you so much.x
It’s just lovely and the wardrobe combinations are perfect!
This gives me some good ideas for breaking out of my blue and black suit route – hot weather is so hard since some kind of jacket or top finishes an outfit but weight is a problem. This looks like a cool and polished choice.
Darn it – I’ve caught the Hermes scarf bug….looking at some of your old posts for color and fold inspiration now….
I was admiring picture #1 of course but the change from a black top to a top of bold color makes that jacket really sing.
It’s so interesting looking at your creations. Thanks for doing it.
especially love the black piping.
That’s so great when a piece more than “works”, it vaults!
Faux Fuchsia and Pseu: I wonder if the person is just that interested in trends? I’m not either, though sometimes express myself more tactfully than she apparently did.
Fabulous jacket and great taste in necklaces 😉
Great new piece, and I agree with those who commend your find of a hot-weather-friendly jacket.
You are really working the “Does this fit in with what I have in my closet without blending into the sea of basics?” thing with your twisted items. The proof is in the Polyvore….
ps Komarov and Babette are two other lines that do the pressed pleat look which yes, is seriously travelproof. Like AM, the Komarov prints can get a bit “WTH?” for the less…exuberant …dressers, but like your jacket there are some more vibrant but not OOT ones.
What a fun jacket!! Do you like blue? I would wear it with some yummy shade to pick up the pretty blue that shows up in the detail photo. Once again, a great find!!
Marieanne – thank you!
Semi Expat – thanks so much. Putting the outfits together was truly a pleasure!
Lulu – thank you!
Arabella – thanks! The black/white print seems to be much easier to pair with color than a solid black or solid white piece would be.
Tessa Scoffs – thanks, me too. It really adds a nice detail.
Artful Lawyer – thank you! I’m so thrilled to have found this jacket which I’ll be able to wear for a good bit of the summer. And today was still cool, so I pulled out one of my carrés. I realized I hadn’t worn one in a while.
Duchesse – thanks so much! I think the person who commented on FF’s blog wasn’t down on trends so much as trying to be the Age-Appropriate Police.
Wendy B – thanks so much! I have great taste in rings too. 😉 Hope you and LBR are still having a smashing time!
Vix – thanks so much! I’m really thrilled to have found a good warm weather jacket option.
I like some of the Babette pieces and a boutique in BH that I like carries them. Will have to go check out in person.
Lindy – thanks! Actually, the jacket is all black and white, no blue in the mix. But it would look great with a turqoise top, I think!
Fantastic looks, all!
These are my favorite types of pieces! Each outfit you displayed looks fabulous!
oooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!!
I wanna play dress up in your closet 🙂