Fashion Focus: The Jacket Maker

(This article was written in exchange for a fee. All opinions are my own.)

As our minds start turning towards fall and cooler weather we start thinking about outerwear. We envision our warm, cozy, heavier weight shackets, our fluffy sherpa hoodies, and our longer, fluffy cardigans. Dreaming about brisk, walks amongst the changing leaves also prompts us to think about our cool weather coats. A leather jacket is a great piece for the transition from cool summer evenings, to those chilly fall mornings.

Every now and then I like to focus on a particular retailer I feel is worthy of promoting. I was approached by The Jacket Maker to write an article about their company featuring women’s leather bomber jackets. The Jacket Maker began with a group of friends who found themselves shopping for quality leather goods. In their search they found there were only two options: high priced luxury, or unsustainable fast fashion. They decided consumers needed another choice; a choice that provided high quality luxury leather goods without the steep overhead costs many retailers add to their pricing to meet their bottom line.

The Jacket Maker is an online retailer that deals directly with us, the consumer. They have been featured in articles by Maxim, and have had mentions from The Fashionisto, Thrive Global, Swagger, Trendhunter, askmen, Men’sHealth, and Gearmoose. They offer quality leather jackets, vests, shoes, bags, wallets and gift items in addition to non leather goods like puffer vests and trench coats, and even custom made sports jerseys. Their sizing ranges from XXS (00) to 3XL (24) in women’s; or for an addition $50 you can have your jacket made to measure.

Image taken from The Jacket Maker website.

Unlike many leather goods companies, The Jacket Maker has a unique customization process that allows an individual to help design their own pieces using their own choice of colors, fabrics, logos, embroidery and more. With regards to this bespoke process their website states,

“Despite operating as an e-commerce, as opposed to a physical store for traditional bespoke, we have not lost bespoke essence. For every custom order, we go through the decades old process of consultation, taking exact measurements, making unique patterns, offering widest fabric selection possible & giving limitless customization options. E-commerce enables us to offer bespoke services across the globe and make it accessible for all.”

— The Jacket Maker - Website

For a more personal look at the customization process check out Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style. Jodie and I have been following each other for years, so when I realized she had an up close look at The Jacket Maker I knew I wanted to include her article, Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas from Casual to Dressy.

The bomber jacket, or flight jacket was originally designed to be worn by pilots in WWI to keep them warm in the unheated cockpits of their airplanes. These jackets typically had high, wrap around collars, zippered closures with wind flaps for added insulation, and tight fitting waists and wrists to keep out the cold air. Over the decades these short coats have evolved to include lettermen jackets and light weight bomber types made of fabrics like silk and nylon.

The women’s leather bomber jacket selection is a great place to look for these shorter pieces in a variety of textures, styles and colors. Here are a few of my favorites, along with an outfit idea for each. After all, the perfect jacket is the cherry on top of all of our outfits.

Stella G-1 Brown Leather Bomber Jacket

Image taken from The Jacket Maker website.

The Stella G-1 is what I often think of as a typical bomber style. The banded wrists and hem, with the full zipper, large patch pockets and removable sherpa collar give this piece interesting texture contributing to its versatility to wear with any outfit from casual to dress. Stella has a quilted polyester lining.

Outfit Idea: This would easily be my go to with jeans, ankle boots, and a warm flannel shirt.

Fiona Green Hooded Shearling Leather Jacket

Image taken from The Jacket Maker website.

I love this green flight jacket. It is fully lined with the warm sherpa, and has beautiful detailed stitching, full metal zipper, four outside pockets, two inside pockets, buckle closures on the stand up collar, waist adjustment straps, and a removable hood.

Outfit Idea: I would focus on tall, possibly lace up boots in dark brown, or black, paired with warm leggings, and a light weight oversized tunic.

Reida Maroon Leather Bomber Jacket

Image taken from The Jacket Maker website.

If you are looking for something that shows off as a bit more sleek and dressy, then this would be my choice. The Reida is simple and understated, but that doesn’t detract from her beauty. I love the sheen of this reddish brown piece. She has two set-in slash pockets, ribbed cuffs, hem, and Varsity collar, a full metal zipper and a quilted viscose lining.

Outfit Idea: Dress it up with a twirly, fall print knee length dress, or dress it down with distressed jeans, a long sleeve graphic tee, and wedge heeled ankle boots.

Bliss Brown Suede Bomber Jacket

Image take from The Jacket Maker website.

If you like a little more texture on your jacket this suede piece is very classy. Similar to the Reida with two set-in slash pockets, a full metal zipper, and ribbed cuffs, hem and Varsity collar, this jacket also has a wind flap under the zipper to keep out the chilly fall breezes.

Outfit Idea: I would pair this luxurious looking jacket with a long neutral colored satin skirt, kitten heels, and a soft pullover sweater in a pale blue or champagne pink.

Savant Black Hybrid Varsity Jacket

Image take from The Jacket Maker website.

This hybrid Varsity jacket has leather sleeves, a synthetic wool body, and a quilted polyester lining. Similar to the Reida and the Bliss the Savant has ribbed cuffs, hem and Varsity collar. The unique difference on this piece besides the two tone affect is the shiny silver snaps.

Outfit Idea: Throw this casual piece on with jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt for a night at the high school football game.

Donna Blake White Leather Bomber Jacket

What piqued my interest about this one is definitely the unexpected color pattern. The Dip & Dye finish makes this jacket the perfect statement piece.

Outfit Idea: I would pair this statement piece with an all black outfit including a tee, tulle skirt, black tights and combat boots for a fun date night look.

Pricing on these pieces can be found on their website or you can click on the picture or the link provided to go straight to the jacket. Leather jackets are not cheap, but The Jacket Maker provides quality, well made jackets at a quarter of the cost of luxury fashion prices. A good leather jacket is an investment that will last for years.

I hope you will check out The Jacket Maker to see more of their available women’s leather bomber jacket styles, or if you are looking for a well made leather jackets, coats, blazers and bags for men and women.

Fall Trends 2022 - My Take: Outfit 1

The next few weeks, I am going to show you my take on some of the Fall 2022 Trends that I talked about last week. I think it is one thing to see these styles on the tall, thin models on the run ways, but something quite different for those of us with real post menopausal bodies. There is always a small body of fashionistas that say wear whatever you want because it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, but the reality is most of us still care what other people think about how we look. That is precisely why I like to be more reasonable and realistic when it comes to what trends we might like and be able to pull off.

Today’s look combines three trends I talked about last week: a pair of baggy jeans, a white tank top and a bomber jacket.

Let’s start at the top. I have had this white tank top for years, and typically, I just wear it under things as an added layer in the cold weather, but it does have a tiny bit of embellishment around the neck line, so I thought it would be good for this post. The brand is St. John’s Bay, but I can’t remember if I bought it at JCPenny when it was brand new, or if I bought it second hand.

Next lets talk about jeans, and more specifically baggy jeans. I think jean trends are not realistic for all women. Baggy jeans don’t necessarily look good on every body. This pair of Sonoma mom jeans I found on the clearance rack at Kohl’s. I bought them because I wanted to try something with a higher waist. They are not truly “baggy”, but they are not fitted either. The biggest problem I have with baggier jeans is that they add volume to my lower half, and I have enough volume there already, thank you very much! Ha, ha.

This pair is ankle length, which I think makes my legs look shorter. They are also a straight leg rather than a flair or a skinny. The wash of a jean will also change how it makes you look. A darker wash is always better if you want a more slimming line on the bottom. I am going to try these with ankle boots when the temps get cooler to see how that works.

I didn’t bother with a belt, although my normal tendency would be to tuck the shirt and wear a belt. Most of the things I saw that captured this tank and jeans trend left the jeans without a belt.

I have several bomber jackets, but I chose this burgundy colored one for the quilting. Quilting or puffer style is another trend that seems to be popular for this fall season. Now you can find quilted phone cases, hats, vests, jackets, skirts and more. I thought the quilted bandana a rather unique piece I would definitely wear. If any of the pieces below, just click on the picture and it will take you to the retailer.

My bomber jacket was a thrift find. It is light weight, so for me it will serve more as a layering piece for inside, just like a sweater or blazer would. There was not brand tag in this one.

Style Tip: Think outside the box when it comes to layering pieces. Not every jacket you own has to be for outerwear. Light weight bombers, utility jackets, moto jackets and even sweater coats can be used as the top layer for a work outfit, or a lunch date. I even wear these sorts of layers at home to keep me extra cozy in the winter.

When it came to accessories for this outfit, I just threw a few things together. Since the look was ultra casual, I didn’t add any jewelry. I reached for a thrifted, tote bag with a little more structure. Work horse bags are trending right now, so I thought this one met the criteria. It is large enough that I can carry all the essentials plus notebooks, a sweater and whatever else I may need for the day.

Here are a few other fun bags to look at.

For shoes I chose my leopard print flats. I got these a number of years ago at Christopher and Banks. I really don’t love them, so they will be going into my “get rid of” pile. I think I like a toe that is slightly more pointed for a flat, or a loafer style. There’s something about a rounded toe, that I don’t think looks great on my feet.

Leopard print is trending once again, and most likely will always be the classic animal print seen on the runway, and in our closets.

I hope you enjoyed this outfit. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you own a bomber jacket? Do you wear it as outer wear or inside? Are you a fan of leopard print? I always love to hear from you, so leave me some lovin’! Of course you can also leave me a criticism. It is all part of being real with each other. I just like to hear from you!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a super day everyone!

Fall Trends for 2022

Once again, the season of fall is just around the corner and the fashion world always has its take on what is new and popular for the season. I am a firm believer that there is nothing new under the sun, whether it be a story plot, a difficulty or a fashion trend. Many of these trends you will already have in your closet. This post might introduce you to something new, or it might give you inspiration to dig out a particular piece and give it new life.

Baggy Jeans

I still love my skinny jeans, but baggy is in and because I love jeans in general I thought I would include this trend. Jeans are no longer just for the working man or woman on a ranch or construction site, now they are spot on for a casual day at home, a work day or even an dressy evening out.

Style Tip: If you want to dress up your jeans think fabrics and accessories. A silky top, heels and few statement pieces of jewelry will take your casual day outfit to night time glam outfit.

Basic White Tanks

I can get on board with this because just about everyone has a white tank top in their closet. This piece is perfect for late summer and early fall layering. Throw a blazer over your white tank and your ready for work, or add a cozy sweater for a casual lunch date look.

Style Tip: When looking for tank tops that are going to serve as actual tops and not just layering pieces choose fabrics that are a little thicker for less show through. Also, if you want more fitted look for ribbed knits; if you want less cling look for flowy fabrics in an a-line silhouettes.

Bomber Jackets

Bomber style jackets are back in force and they don’t just have vintage military vibes. They vary in color, prints and fabrics making them a piece that is accessible to everyone who wants a shorter coat for cool weather days.

Style Tip: Use a lighter weight bomber jacket like a sweater or blazer. Wear it over a blouse for work, or a tee for a casual date night look. Add accessories like metallic or sparkly jewelry, or soft scarves to make this menswear style completely feminine.

Oversized Button Ups:

Many of you already know, I love oversized button up shirts. I have shown you a few of my own over the last few years. I use them as jackets, under sweaters and vests and as tunics over skinny jeans with boots. Oversized is not for everyone, although I think most every body type can pull off an oversized button up by using it as a layering piece or a tunic, or even a short dress for those of you who are more petite. Don’t be afraid to try this trend, you might find you like it.

Style Tips: If you don’t like all that fabric especially if you are slight of frame, try belting the shirt or tying it at the waist. If you are a thrifter, be sure to shop for oversized button ups in the men’s section. That’s where I have found most of mine.

Cozy Coats:

Nothing beats the colder weather like a soft, cozy coat. Whether you like real or faux fur, real or faux shearling, soft wool blends or suede, a warm coat in a pretty color or with fun details can make a blue winter day seem a little less daunting.

Style Tip: When shopping for a coat, be sure you wear layers that you would normally wear under your jacket, or at least keep that in mind when you trying coats on. Sleeves that feel perfect with your polyester blouse may not be as roomy when you have on a chunky knit sweater. The same is true for being able to button or zip the coat. Think ahead to how you will most often wear the piece and what you will wear underneath.

Cargo Pants:

Cargo pants are a great alternative to jeans. I realize not every woman wants pockets on the side of her pants accentuating her thighs, but if you don’t mind those added details, cargos can be another way to a fun casual look. I especially like the jogger styles, because I think they look a little more slimming than the typical canvas or heavy cotton material.

Style Tip: When styling cargo pants try to balance out the extra pockets on your legs with a top with slight shoulder pads or or with pieces that are trim like a fitted tee, or a cropped jacket. Too much material on top begins to make the outfit look less classy and more unkempt.

Vests:

Vests, or in the fashion realm, fitted waistcoats are making a comeback, though I don’t know how much retailers are catching on with this one. Even at thrift stores it is hard to find vests, so hopefully you have a few in the dark recesses of your closet that you can pull out and give the light of day. I like vests for three reasons. The first is that the old fashion waistcoat really makes an outfit look polished and professional, whether you are wearing jeans or a pleather pencil skirt. A vest also adds a layer of warmth in the cooler weather. Finally, vests are a great way to draw in the waist and cover the bumps and bulges without wearing a full on corset (and yes, those are trending this fall as well, but I have chosen to leave those to the younger generation).

Style Tip: While vests look wonderful with trim button up shirts or more fitted sweaters try pairing a vest with an oversized button up for a fun artsy boho look. You can also wear a vest under a blazer for added interest and polish.

Maxi Skirts (and Dresses):

I’m not including any links for maxi dresses since I just showed you two from Closet52 a few weeks ago. Hem lengths really are an anything goes standard, but for the fall the longer, floor length styles are trending again. When it comes to styles these vary as well. One website talked about the Bohemian influence which would include tiered and prairie silhouettes, while another site said a-line and columns are in.

Style Tip: If you are petite you might struggle with finding a maxi skirt that is not too long. Try shopping for skirts that are tea length on other women. Tea length usually falls between the knee and the ankle which will probably be just about right for ladies that are 5’2” or shorter.

Leather (real or faux) jackets:

I have always loved leather jackets. I own a couple that are actual leather and the rest of my stock are fake. Fake leather today, looks just as good as the real thing, but varies from manufacturer to manufacturer as to how durable and long lasting the materials are. I recently went through my jackets and did put a few in the donate pile, mostly because they are more snug than I want these days. My style has also evolved over the last few years and I am more likely to reach for a utility jacket, a cozy sweater or a blazer when I want a light weight jacket or extra layer indoors. However, I still intend to hang onto a few of my more loved pieces.

Style Tip: When shopping for a real or faux leather jacket be sure to find pieces that are made of flexible, soft materials. The stiffer leather will become stiffer with age, unless regularly worn and tended to, and faux leather that is too cheap or stiff will tear away from the under layer.

Additional Trends worth mentioning:

Square Loafers:

Leopard Print:

Just a quick word here. Leopard print is always going to be around, so wear it, flaunt it, carry it and wrap yourself up in it. In addition sturdy tote bags are trending and very useful for work or even travel if you don’t want to pack too many suitcases. I also added the faux fur bag, since fur ( and faux fur) accessories are trending as well.

As always there are many more trends I would love to discuss, but these were the ones I felt we all could get on board with. Maybe you don’t like baggy jeans, but you do like square loafers. Maybe you are a fitted vest kind of girl, and absolutely don’t like oversized button ups. I hope you enjoyed hearing more about these fall trends.

All of the items listed are affiliate links. I get a small amount if you click on a link and a little bit more if you purchase through my site. I appreciate every click and even more appreciate your support for the blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these trends. How many of these do you have in your closet?

Next week I hope to show you my take on a few of these trends. Until then have a great week!

Piece Perfect - The Faux Leather Jacket

Our weather, here in Ohio has yet to really cool down. Tonight was rather pleasant with a steady, soft breeze and less humidity, but Labor Day and the week following still looks to be very warm. However, before we know it, the temperatures will drop and I will be pulling out one of my favorite cool weather pieces - the faux leather jacket. 

I own a leather jacket, which I love, but for days when I want to wear a different color, or I am looking for something heavier to wear over my top at work, I frequently turn to my less expensive faux leather.

As you can tell, I just love to be silly and my daughter always seems to capture my silliness quite well. This is an outfit I would wear to work. The stripes on my sweater and the plaid pattern on my crop pants could be a mild attempt at pattern mixing, but the main piece is the brown faux leather biker jacket. This piece was adopted from one of my favorite thrift stores, Savers. The material is soft and pliable, not stiff like some leather or faux leather can be.

The day we did this shoot, it was turning stormy just as we went outside. The wind was blowing and the gray clouds were rolling in. We had just enough time to snap some pictures before it started to rain.

A jacket like this can be worn in so many ways, similarly to a denim jacket or a blazer. It can add warmth to any outfit, without a lot of bulk. Wear it with a nice pair of trousers for work, a distressed pair of skinnies for date night, or with a maxi skirt or dress for some other special occasion. These jackets come in all forms - bombers, bikers, moto (a tad different than a biker), blazers, and trench. 

You can see in this picture my faux leather collection. I have two moto jackets, the black and red, which I purchased from Christopher and Banks (they currently do not have this style of jacket). I also have two biker jackets, the brown, which as I said, I got at Savers and the gray, which I think I got at Kohl's. 

Is she a Rockette or is she kicking the 4th quarter touch down that wins the game? I think she's just being silly!

And here's one more for good measure! 

Okay, enough of my attempt at being a fashion model! 

I think a faux leather jacket is a great investment. They are reasonably priced, come in a variety of materials, styles, colors and sizes and can be styled in so many ways. You won't regret adding this type of jacket to your fall wardrobe and it will become a piece you turn to again and again. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots.