Marching Into Fall in Military Jackets

So you know my J.Crew Military Jacket?  I'm thinking you do, even if you just started following yesterday,  because it was in the outfit post.  I also wore it here and here.  And because I get so many compliments on the jacket - both here and when I'm out and about (it's so easy to throw on that it goes on errands very often thrown over even sweats) - I wanted to do some investigation and provide alternatives.  You see my jacket is from late last summer right around this time, and it is no longer available *insert sad face here*.  As far as military jackets go it was not terribly priced at, I believe, $98 (even though I know that seems a bit steep) because I have worn the thing well over 98 times.  In fact, I bet I've worn it 98 times in a month.

Anyway that's like salt in the wound, so my bad.

In an effort to ease your pain and help out with military jacket madness as we head into cooler weather (which some of us poor biznatches have not escaped much this summer holler if you hear me fellow Californians!) please find some options - in various price ranges - listed below.

 dear polyvore:  stop trying to push me over the edge.  from, carrie.

Let's do a Top Row/Bottom Row Price Comparison (Left to Right)
First 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Elizabeth and James - Shrunken Surplus Jacket - $395
                                 Bottom Row:  Rag & Bone - Leigh Jacket - $475

Second 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Juicy Couture - Skylar Twill Military Jacket - $298
                           Bottom Row:  Target - Xhilaration Juniors Military Jacket - $24.99

Third 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Delia's - Ricki Military Jacket - $49.50
                               Bottom Row - American Eagle - AE Military Shirt Jacket - $49.50 

So basically here's my summary.  The first two jackets on the left are staples.  They are fabulous and you will keep them long after the trend is gone because they are not so trendy that you can't pull them out for seasons to come.  The second set....well color me happy on that cost comparison!  Oh yeah!  Put on your helmet in case you're getting lightheaded because this, girls, is what we call a STEAL OF A DEAL here at this free bird!!  The Juicy jacket will likely be more well-constructed and it will be cute, but it's pretty trendy.  If you can get your hands on the Xhilaration one, why not give it a try and see what's what??  For the amount it'll get worn you really can't go wrong.  And, finally, regarding the third set - those two would be the closest to the one I get compliments on.  The AE one in particular and it pains me to even admit that.  I guess the brain waves over at AE (she says dripping with sarcasm) must have saved a Martin+Osa designer to come up with the last jacket.  It is beautiful and wonderful and affordable and I'm considering it myself even though I swore I would never financially support that organization after they cut my right arm off just a couple weeks ago. Martin+Osa has been one of my best friends for the past 3 years...I digress.

I hope this helps in your journey for the perfect military jacket for fall.  I am convinced that polyvore lives to torture me or I would have included other options that give you a military flavor with a bit of sass and perhaps other color options like this beautiful jacket from Free People that has a feminine flair to it, this workshirt from J.Crew in the softest pink/taupe color, and this jersey jacket from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Let me know your thoughts ladies.  I think most of us can agree we love the military jacket.  Perhaps your new friend is amongst one of these!

Quit Playing Games With My Heart

I spent a good portion of a few conference calls perusing the Anthropologie website in every effort to cheer myself up over yesterday's sobering post that was deepened by a big ol' dose o' Monday.  Blech.

Now that I have Anthro's 15% off coupon burning a hole in my mind and on my desk I've allowed myself to be temporarily swept away to fall days where I skip through colored leaves in the most fantastically supple leather boots you ever did see, eventually collapsing in a crunchy pile - of leaves not boots, while warm apple turnovers bake away in my gourmet kitchen and chic grey cashmere pillows miraculously appear on my white couch just in time for cozy movie marathons and yet another episode of Felicity where she appears fresher than ever back for another year at UNY (and it is UNY in Felicityland so get there and get the dvd's if you haven't already - they'll change your life).

The reality is I probably won't see a colored leaf that isn't burnt and brown here in SoCal, and I'm not falling into a pile of anything that could potentially cause a broken hip - deal with it - but Felicity, apple turnovers, grey cashmere and cozy days are imminent (sans the gourmet kitchen - damn you money fairies).  And what better way to conjure up the images than dressed in some wonderful Anthro finds that just so happened to be purchased for 15% off?  See?  I'm getting there...:)

Imagine it...

How about the Bianka Blouse with a pair of JBrand Love Story Bell Bottoms?

Can you hear the leaves crunching beneath your knee high Miu Miu's

while your wavy tresses blow ever so slightly in the still-warm fall breezes?

Maybe you're out for a lunch with the girls on a semi-crisp day.

It's not cool enough for a jacket, but you still need 
a little something to keep warm.

Enter:  the Flower to Flower Vest

I'm imagining it over a fab fitted James Perse Scoop Neck Tee 

and my most fave J.Crew Ankle Stretch Toothpick Denim

(because those fit past the ankle on me)

Chances are I'll be in these sleek knee high Loub's 
or maybe a knee-high military?

I prefer a little height on the heel with this long sweater, personally.

 Just because it's fall don't say good-bye to the dress!

...or at least not the Paseo Ruffled Skirt (yes that IS leather!)

There are so many ways you could wear this!!

How about with this sheer fabulosity Padded Shoulder Blouse (tucked in) from Vince?

And this Rag & Bone Military Jacket over top?

A knee high sleek boot might also be in order with this one...I'll let you choose.

And before I run off...let me just say I almost forgot my name 
on one of the calls today

because I could not stop staring at/dreaming about the Loose Reign Boots!

Can you imagine???  Because I know I sure can!

Bring on the leggings/jeggings/skinnys, one of Isabel Marant's thermals - 
yes I have seen, touched, tried on and damn near died - 
and a fitted blazer or military jacket,

and you just might hear the following headline:

Southern California Woman Spontaneously Combusts Over New Fall Wardrobe.

Don't test me Anthropologie!! 

Update:  Everyone - I will not be commenting today.  I don't know if you read Bumpkin on a Swing's blog, but I learned this morning that she passed away and she is someone I considered a friend.  Just going to take a moment and reflect on a woman who had a highly infectious personality
and a real zest for life.  You should check out her blog.
Love, Carrie