Hooks the Look

Blazer: Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse

A blazer is generally defined as a type of jacket resembling a suit jacket but cut more casually. The term is typically in reference to a man’s sportscoat, one that would have metal buttons and sometimes an insignia on the breast pocket, as one worn by a member of a club, school, or the like. It’s also said that a women’s blazer is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn as a casual light jacket or as a part of a more conservative business outfit.

My choice of blazer for the featured item of this Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse post came about because of the recent heat wave in SoCal and it’s also quite fitting for another reason that I will share further on. But why not just call it “jacket” in the title? The reason for the term of choice is due to Adrienne Shubin and Jill Burgess because the theme for their next How I Wear My monthly collaboration post is blazer.  If you’re not familiar with this monthly series, pop over to their blogs to get the low down.

When planning out future posts a month or so ago, I’d thought to show coats as this week’s feature but even just a few weeks ago, the weather in SoCal was still quite warm so I’d decided that I’d switch to sweaters. I have several that I’ve bought at thrift stores but I was having trouble putting together an outfit for the post. However, long hours at my day job plus 100 degree days had stymied my creativity until Thursday morning as I was getting dress. Hanging next to the black swing jacket I wore that day (see the upcoming Last Week, This Week post for photos of what I wore with it) was this seersucker blazer by Chico’s that I found at a local thrift store back in May.

You will also see this ensemble in the upcoming Last Week, This Week post because it was my “Friday casual” outfit. The denim trousers were also a thrift store find and featured in the Up Down All-Around post this past March. The richly colored floral top provides a color nod to Fall and a contrast against the blue in the blazer and trousers.

Earlier I said that there was another reason for my final choice on the theme for this month’s Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse post and that reason is this plaid blazer. It’s one of the items I found early in my discovery of thrift shopping and the whole world of options that can be found. I can recall that I bought this beauty in early March and it was the green in the plaid and the buttons that caught my eye.

I’m certain that it’s a vintage piece and may have originally had a matching skirt. The label near the collar says Marshall Field & Company with THE SUIT SHOP underneath. There’s another label on the inside of the placket behind the lowest button that says CUSTOM CASUALS NEW YORK. The in-seam tags are faded although I can make out Int Ladies’ Garment and professionally dry clean.

There isn’t anything about the blazer that I don’t like, from its boxier cut and rounded collar to its high hip length and sleeves that end at my wrists. It does a fine job of dressing up the basics of black crops and a white tunic.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s link up is Jonet from Fabulously Chic Over 50. In her bio, Jonet says that she’s putting her investigative journalist skills to work to discover the very best in Fashion, Beauty & Travel for women celebrating the next chapter in their lives.

What’s your opinion on thrift store shopping?  Are you a seasoned thrifter or does the idea of wearing someone else’s old clothes give you the heebie-jeebies?  Is it a just a passing trend for those who can afford more or is it a smart way to live “greener” and reduce one’s carbon footprint?

Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.

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14 Comments

  4. shelbeeontheedge1

    Rena, I love both of these blazers! I am a huge fan of seersucker and I recall a seersucker pants suit from Talbots that I had years and years ago. It was one of my favorites! But I haven’t had any seersucker for some time now. I may need to change that. And that plaid blazer is just everything. There is nothing that I don’t love about a fabulous plaid blazer for fall! Great looks, my friend.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  5. Jodie

    I’m a huge lover of blazers, but maybe that’s because I wore them daily when I was working!! I think they are such a great way to add class to any outfit!!
    The plaid one is probably my fave!! It’s so perfect on you, Rena!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  6. Amy Johnson

    Blazers are something I tend to love on everyone else but me. I think they always come off as too masculine on my frame. I love that plaid blazer. So cute! I’m not a fan of thrift store as I don’t have the patience, but my daughter is a great thrift store shopper!

  8. Marilee Gramith

    You’ve really created some great looks here Rena.
    I love the pattern mixing that happens with the combination of that little seersucker jacket and the happy red floral print blouse. Now there’s a Monday work outfit that would cheer everyone up! 🙂
    I also like the plaid jacket and the cool way you’re wearing your blouse beneath it. This jacket is suddenly “on trend” as plaids have come back into vogue BUT I think this jacket has a really classic cut and a traditional look that is really chique “forever”!!
    These looks are terrific Rena and you look so great in both of them!

  9. Marilee Gramith

    I forgot to say that I LOVE consignment and thrift shopping. The world of fashion choices at reasonable prices is HUGE because of it. Also ,shopping beyond current retail opens your mind to finding unlimited options for defining your personal style and not restricting your choices to what is currently touted as “on trend”.

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  13. Cathy

    I love blazers and mixing them up with other pants and blouses. You look great in them! Hello from the Women of Midlife group!