J Crew blazer - do I want one, and what size??

[emsyj]

I'm pondering ordering a navy blazer from J Crew as I fancy making myself a bit more glam and 'put together' (I hate that phrase...) I am between a 12 and a 14 (would need a 14 in a 'fashion' type shop and sometimes in trousers as I have big thighs, but usually a 12 in a more upmarket store). Do I want an 8 (UK 12) or a 10 (UK 14)?? And..... Do I want a J Crew blazer?? Are they nice quality? Will I look like an idiot? I'm not a natural blazer-wearer but I really want to be!

I think their sizes come up quite big. I'm a UK 8 and would size down to a 2 or even 0 in J Crew.

The quality is decent but it should be for the prices they are charging. I think if you're not a natural blazer wearer, you may want to go for something cheaper first and see how much wear you get out of it, before embarking on an expensive buy.

I tried their schoolboy blazer recently - it did bugger all for me, way too boxy. I sent it back and got this one from Zara, much more flattering:

www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/blazers/structured-blazer-c269184p2254016.html

Thanks for the feedback - I had already looked at the Zara one online and thought it looked nice, but am a bit worried I won't fit into it as I've only ever tried on one jacket in Zara and the sleeves were really tight even in the biggest size - although the shoulders were too wide. Maybe it was just that one item? Should I try the L or XL?? I don't think my arms are unusually big, just average for my overall size!

I'm going to order the J Crew pea coat that's in the sale though - will go for an 8 so that it's not skin tight and hopefully that will be big enough...?

I was looking at that pea coat last night, was sooo tempted! The 8 sounds about right, you'd probably be ok with a 6 but it's better to go a bit bigger in jackets to make room for layers and stuff.

I'm a size 10 but with 30F tittage, Zara L fitted me fine but if I was any bigger think I'd go XL. Why not order both, then get them to collect the one that doesn't fit? Their home collection service is ace!

I might just pop in after work one day - there's a big Zara near the office (if it's re-opened, it's been closed for a refurb for ages). I have ordered the pea coat! I went for the 8 so hope it fits.

Gah, I'm so !

I really hope it's nice, I wanted the yellow one really but it's just too expensive - so went for the sale black. Excited!!!

Order one Sofa - go on, you know you want to...

It's the black I want, more versatile...piss off you, stop encouraging me!

I find J Crew quality and the online service pretty good, but it is expensive. I generally find their sizing true or or a tiny bit large, never small.

Have you looked at Banana Republic? They are very similar to J Crew, maybe a bit more conservative, but I have in the past had a very nice grey wool blazer from them.

Zara blazer look and are cheap rubbish, it would be a false economy to buy from them till you are sure its what you want. I'd be more inclined to go better quality in the sale or with a discount code if you can find one.

Oooh, Sofa I love that Zara blazer. In fact, I love the whole outfit. So much so, my credit card is almost quivering!

The problem with Banana Republic is it's like Boden, far too easy to take into mumsy territory.

I love Banana Republic, I've bought a few things from there - will check out their blazer selection now.... I have only worn a blazer once - I borrowed it from a friend that I was staying with as we were going out and it was a bit chilly for the dress I had taken with me. I loved it, but haven't ever bought one myself so this is new territory! I used to wear a suit for work so the blazer thing didn't appeal, but now that I work in a very casual office I weirdly feel myself rejecting my weekend hoodie 'n' trainers look in favour of something more preppy and stylish.

a jersey blazer/jacket might work better for you if you are not a natural balzer wearer. I find them very wearable and much more comfortable plus they get less creased.

I have one from Anthropologie which i love

This one is quite nice www.anthropologie.eu/anthro/product/clothing-coatsjackets/7115443870073.jsp#/

The shape of that Anthropologie one is quite nice, but I particularly want navy with gold button(s). I am really torn now because I like the Zara one best of all, but I pretty much know it won't fit me - and Sofa said the J Crew one is unflattering and I can't find any others (for less than about £400 anyway) .

I am happy to wear something quite structured, I'm used to wearing suit jackets so I'm not too concerned about that I just want something with a nautical look as I'm a little bit obsessed with nautique. I quite often wobble around (and over) the line between nautical chic and Judith Chalmers on a cruise...

Aww, sorry for putting you off the JCrew blazer, I feel like a right cow now!

It was unflattering on me but loads of fashion blogger types rave about it, maybe it looked shitty on me because I'm tallish? The fabric was very nice and I did consider taking it to a tailor to get it nipped in at the waist but it all seemed a bit of a faff.

What about this one from Whistles? www.whistles.com/women/clothing/coats-jackets/ella-ponte-jersey-jacket.html?dwvar_ella-ponte-jersey-jacket_color=Navy#prefn1=subCategory&prefv1=Coats+and+Jackets&start=1

With some of these? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flat-Plastic-Gold-Blazer-Buttons-3-Sizes-15mm-18mm-20mm-With-Shank-/190890745858?pt=UK_Crafts_Buttons_EH&var=490178806797&hash=item2c71f9a002

I'm a 12-14 and have this in a 12 (but don't do up my blazer so you'd probably want a 14) www.reiss.com/womens/suiting/theo/navy/?q=theo+blazer and it looks really, really good. I know you wanted a navy blazer with a gold button but you could always change the button if you wanted? I've been really disappointed with J Crew recently, they love the lanky gamine look with lots of boxy clothes that look good on a size 8 but don't look great on anyone else.

Am I being thick or is there no photo of the Whistles one from the front?? I never thought of Whistles actually!

I'm 5' 7", does that count as tallish or not? May still order the J Crew one, it's free delivery and free returns.

don't get hung up on gold buttons, you can easily buy them separately. Find the right colour navy (harder than it looks, there are loads of shades!), and material and cut.

The Whistles jersey one is lovely, I've got it from last year, if its the same colour its lighter than what I would call navy though. Shame the 25% discount has just finished but that usually means their sale will start imminently....

J Crew quality is very good, but their UK prices are horrendous (it's $ to £, having just come back from NYC and done a comparison). Definitely worth a look in Banana Republic and even Gap. I've got 2 of the Whistles jersey blazers which are lovely (one in a dark navy, one in a royal blue). But as you say, J Crew is free delivery and returns, so it's worth a punt :)

I like the Whistles one. I love jersey jackets - you get the smartness of a jacket with the comfort of a cardigan.

I usually Anthropologie but I think that jacket looks like something from Land's End...

Me & Em have one too...