Thrifting Queen

Danier B/W leather moto vs. Club Monaco floral moto

February 14, 2013

So Kristin and I hatched a plan yesterday at work to go today on our lunch hour and try on both the Danier Leather black & white moto and the Club Monaco floral moto, have Kristin take pictures and me to post them for comparison purposes. We had such a blast and felt rather silly taking pics in the two stores but it was an interesting exercise.

First up is the Danier Leather moto - I adore the graphic style of this moto with its crisp combination of black and white. I like that neither the collar nor the cuffs are white, which I think makes it easier to keep clean and pristine looking between professional cleanings. The leather is soft and supple. In all of the pictures with the jacket undone, I have tucked the sleeves in as they are too long. There is a zipper on the bottom 4 inches of the sleeve which of course Danier can re-do for my shorter arms, keeping zipper and all. It is a size medium. I can just do it up but would not likely wear it zippered anyway. The shoulders fit well and the waist is in the right spot for me. I think the length is good with trousers but it could be too long to wear with dresses. There was not a large to try on for comparison but I do know that the Danier Leather jackets in large are always too big in the shoulders for me. FWIW my black leather blazer is the same size and just barely does up as well.

Secondly, the Club Monaco floral moto: I fell hard for the beautiful unexpected colouring of the floral pattern on this jacket. I like that it is not a literal interpretation of floral and that it is in shades of grey and cream. The fabric was light and felt wonderful to the touch, but was not delicate. I liked the cropped length and thought that where it hit me on the high hip/waist was fairly flattering. I also found the colours to work really well with my salt-n-pepper hair. The sleeves were shockingly just the right length - no shortening required. This is a medium and is no where near being able to do up. It is also quite tight in the shoulders and upper arms and that is with just a tank underneath. I would definitely need a large in this jacket, which the store did not have for me to try on. Based on their sizing, I'm doubtful that even a large would zip up, but it would be better.

A little bit about the service: Danier was stellar as usual and the SA's though it was cool that we were taking pics for a fashion community website and there were no problems that we were not buying today.

Club Monaco was the complete opposite. The SA was unhelpful and borderline rude. I felt uncomfortable asking if they had a large after searching the rack and finding none. I felt that I had no right to be in the store as a heavier woman and clearly didn't fit their demographic.

So...over to you...does one of these stand out above the other? Do you like the leather jacket or the floral jacket for me? Or do neither work and I should move on?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

41 Comments

  • Aziraphale replied 11 years ago

    The floral one has a very flattering shape and neckline -- more so than the black and white Danier one. The Danier one is still pretty cool, and it DOES make you look like a formula one race car driver. Which is kind of neat. I love the stripes down the sleeves.

    Too bad about the rude Club Monaco SA...but still, I wouldn't let a thing like that deter me from a jacket I loved.

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    I saw the pics on #1 and I said to myself that is so her! Shannon you should buy it. I am not however so sure about the motojacket. I can see how it would work in theory but in practice I am nor sure this is the one.

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    This is a tough one! I will force myself to be objective and not dismiss the CM based on the Inexcusable store treatment. A year ago I think I would have said floral all the way... However, with you skewing more modern, I love the Danier as a "game changer" for your wardrobe. The graphic, modern, slightly sporty, tomboyish vibe would give a lot of outfits a whole new feel.

  • Tanya replied 11 years ago

    Very difficult choice, as I really like them both on you. Based on longevity, I am more inclined towards the Danier jacket. Then again, it reminds me a bit of your cobalt jacket with the black trim. I guess I am not of much help.

  • Thistle replied 11 years ago

    I really like the Danier better, rude sales associate aside. I like the crispness of it for you, and as Rae said, it might better fit your evolving style.

    Makes me wonder why stores hire certain sales associates. I have wondered if a letter to the store manager would accomplish anything.

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    A really tough one Shannon, they both look good but they are very different. I really think you need to trust your instinct on this one.

    For what it's worth:

    -the colours in the floral sound perfect but the tightness would be a deal breaker for me.
    - #2 I don't like the wrinkles in this photo - something off with the fit?

  • Jjsloane replied 11 years ago

    I much prefer the leather. I'm not a fan of where the floral cuts you at the waist. I like the pattern, but it does not have the WOW of the white leather for me (well for you)

  • cciele replied 11 years ago

    Let's just say I had a WOW reaction to the leather and a NICE reaction to the floral, FWIW :)

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    I prefer the floral moto.

  • carolbee replied 11 years ago

    Hmmmm, tough one. Although I love the leather one I am concerned about long term use. Will you still love the race car driver look down the track, and ditto what Caro said about the back view. Also love the floral one from the front but also concerned about the back view of this, to me it looks like you are chopped in half. So not much help from me!!

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    I much prefer the floral moto. I will admit I have a semi-poison eye for the scuba style of the leather jacket, but even discounting for that I think the floral is more flattering.

  • Echo replied 11 years ago

    I very much prefer the leather over the floral. To my eye, the leather has a graphic quality and strong clean lines that can totally change an outfit. The floral is just a little too fussy for my taste, to say nothing of the fact that I wouldn't ever purchase from a store where I was treated rudely.

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    I haven't read the comments, but I prefer the floral moto by quite a bit - sorry about the sales staff. (((HUGS))). It's a much better shape for you, to my eye. The leather moto looks too long, and not "cheeky" if you know what I mean.

    LOVE the floral moto!

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    I am usually a real enabler, but I am afraid I'm just not a terribly large fan of either one on you. If it has to be one of these, versus keeping looking, I am favoring the black and white leather. My objection with it is that I dont care for the way the sleeve is pieced -- i am NOT a tuxedo stripe gal.

  • Raisin replied 11 years ago

    Hmmm, I really feel like these jackets serve different functions, so are hard to compare. For me the leather jacket is more of a cool weather item. I wouldn't be able to wear it in late spring or summer. The floral moto is more for the cool to warm weather, since it's fabric.

    Now I think I like the overall look of the Danier better. Cool, modern, graphic lines, B&W, it's all good. The fit is great too, and you can get the sleeves adjusted. I do like the floral moto, but I think it may be just a smidge too small. I would have liked to see the size up to compare. It's a tough choice.......I can't decide!

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    Well, the black and white is kicka$$. Sorry, I had to say it. I will wash my mouth out now.

    The floral is very pretty and feminine, but it doesn't make me go "whoa."

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Very interesting...

    So here's my thoughts and Kristin's insight being with me: both she and I felt the leather moto was a bit too long to wear with dresses/skirts. I also found it to be a bit heavy looking. Although the style would suit my princely side, I still want to look girly sometimes and this didn't feel like it could work with girly.

    When I put on the floral moto, Kristin literally gasped out loud. She was the one who said "look in the mirror and see what those colours do for you." I was disappointed that they didn't have the larger size for me to try on. I do realize that it probably does look like it cuts me in half in the back especially, but I think that's partly due to it being too tight and not looking drapey enough.

    Overall, the floral was my favourite and Kristin's as well. I think it would look great over my black sheath, with jeans, with trousers, etc.

    So now comes part two of my question: do I order the larger size to try (since we only have one actual store in my city and I know they don't have it) which can be returned to the store if it doesn't fit, or do I try something different completely. Does the floral moto have potential?

  • Aziraphale replied 11 years ago

    AHA! -- my opinion agreed with both yours and Angie's!

    Here's a tip I find useful when people ask these sorts of questions: look at the thumbnails. Sometimes I'm useless at determining which choice is better when looking at a normal-size picture, but thumbnail pictures, as they appear before you click on them, are often revealing.

    In the case of your two jackets, I immediately, without clicking on the thumbnails, thought the floral one was much more flattering on you, despite the fact that the black-and-white jacket is stylistically more my preference (and, from the sounds of what everybody is saying, more "you" in terms of the direction your style is going).

    Food for thought. Look at your own thumbnails and see if it helps you judge. :-)

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Shannon I have a pet hate for bad SA's. I know this is not what your post it about, but I would so not refer to you as a 'heavier' woman. Honestly if that was the SA's issue then she needs a slap.

    I really like the Danier jacket. I note Caro's comment but wonder if that is just the leather? What I am wondering is how you see yourself wearing it. Would it go to work? Is it outerwear? I would just consider this as I assume it is an investment purchase. You look do look so fab in it.

    The floral jacket is just lovely. The tones are incredibly flattering and if you can get your size then I think you should consider it. I hear what others are saying about your style direction but I think you still like variety and I think this could work in with your style and still provide an option for days when you want something just a little different. It makes me think of my blue, white and grey jacket that is cut similarly. I also think there are a number of ways to style it.

    EDIT: just read your comment Shannon, yes order the floral in your size! Now!

    1
  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Elisabeth - that's interesting about the thumbnails. I need to try that!

    Deborah - thank you so much for our insightful reply Deborah and your visual. It's very helpful. I am looking primarily for a spring/summer piece to wear both casually and at work as an option to a blazer indoors, but also to go over a tee and jeans as outdoor wear. And your question just clarified in my mind that the leather moto is NOT that. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

    (Just as a comment, my black leather blazer did that in the back when I first bought it but as the leather softened, those lines/wrinkles completely disappeared).

    Going back to my original spring wish list, a floral blazer was high up on the list. The floral moto could qualify as that. Or should I look for a more traditional blazer style? something like this http://www.thebay.com/eng/wome.....bay/288940

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, if it will make you feel any better, I have been ignored/ dismissed EACH AND EVERY TIME i have been in the Club Monaco store(s) in Toronto. Granted, I haven't been to the Yonge/ Bloor one for a while now. But I suspect they do not train or perhaps treat the staff well.

    Onto the jackets. I just LOVE that you and Kristin did this. Isn't it fun?! The Danier staff were really friendly about it at my store, too, when I did this. They thought it was odd at first but when I explained they got into it.

    I LOVE the idea of that Danier jacket. I fell in love with it, too, when I was there. But the fit on you is basically like the fit on me, and I am sorry to say that I think it is too long and just not right. It ends up looking more like a baseball jacket than a racing car jacket. Or at least that is how I felt in the one I tried. It was just that teeny bit off. And since we KNOW you can look fantastic in other Danier offerings, my thought is that it would be better to wait until just the right style comes around.

    Also, I must remind you that you are in the process of losing weight. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't want to buy an expensive item like a leather jacket when three months later I might be wearing a different size.

    As for the floral moto, I think it suits you beautifully. But if it is not comfortable, then perhaps it isn't worth the trouble, because as others have said I am not sure it takes you any further towards your current style goals. On the other hand, if it would fill a bit spring hole, then it might be worth ordering to try, because it really is quite lovely!

    And so are you.

    End of lecture.

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    I like the idea of the b&w leather one, but I love the floral one on you! Order!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Suz - here's the thing...the floral moto is actually MORE expensive than the leather jacket! And you have raised an excellent point. I am indeed in the process of losing weight (however long it takes) and now I'm thinking spending $300 on a jacket that I may wear for a short period of time may not be my smartest choice. Having said that, I do still want a floral jacket.

    I do have a floral blazer (the bright green with orange/pink one I thrifted last year) but I'm wanting a little "softer" colour palette of floral blazer. This cropped one at The Bay (for half the price of the CM one) intrigues me. What do you all think? http://www.thebay.com/eng/wome.....bay/288940

    Shevia - you're so sweet!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I vote floral moto, it is awesome!

  • Nadya replied 11 years ago

    The floral made me gasp, I love it on you so much! I love the shorter length and the color is amazing on you. This from a mod/graphic loving woman!

  • unfrumped replied 11 years ago

    For just first impressions I.like the floral by a mile..i ddidnt think I would from the file.photo.. It lights you up and lets you be what is first noticed. I would think.you would.be able to punch it up with your great knack for outfits and accesorizing. But it has to fit. The other jacket makes a lot of noise but is not a flattering fit and I don't especially like the exact way it's colorblocked.

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    FWIW - Reading the replies & your extra comments Shannon I would say hold off. What with the weight loss & the fine tuning of your style goals paying a lot of money for anything right now doesn't make sense to me:)

    I love the colours in the jacket in the link but I think the grey looks amazing on you.

    1
  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    The one in the link is super pretty but might not feel as different from the one you already own?

    I don't know....if the Club Monaco one is more expensive than the Danier AND it doesn't fit...that isn't a good thing!

    Can you get your "floral fix" another way? Hmmmm.

  • carolbee replied 11 years ago

    Ok the leather one is out. I do love the floral on you, it really lights you up. Judging by the picture of the other one posted not sure that I would like it as much on you. However since the original floral is expensive and you are losing weight, I say wait. There will another awesome something when the time comes.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    I second Suz on holding up while you are loosing weight. If I remember well you have quite an amazing assortment of spring and summer clothing from last year.
    You can treat yourself to a beautiful jacket when you reach your weight goal knowing your earned it and can wear it for a long time!
    I am such a spanner, don't you think? :-)

  • Mia replied 11 years ago

    The floral moto is wonderful on you and stunning with your colouring. Great dress up/down piece. Funny, it looks like it fits well in the photo. I can see that the $$ might give you pause. I have a funny feeling this item might go on sale eventually but that is a risk for sure. The other floral items posted are all nice but this CM jacket takes the cake for me.

    I'd probably sleep on it, go back and visit and generally stalk it until I was sure.

  • Jamie replied 11 years ago

    I haven't read the other comments, Shannon, so I'm just going on fit and what seems to flatter you most. Hands down for me, I choose the CM floral jacket. I love how it fits you overall and how it could work so well in your wardrobe. The cream color in the Danier jacket is very pretty on you, but I don't care for the fit in the back. It seems like it might be a bit too long. These are just my opinions. What's most important is how you feel about the jackets. Here's an idea, if you have't tried it already - give Angie's Item-Outfit-Capsule test a try and see if that helps you sort it out!

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Shannon for the most part jackets are rarely an issue when I loose weight. Of course sometimes after weightloss I can close jackets that couldn't close before but then I rarely wear jackets closed. If you carry your weight like I do, all around my mid section, then the floral jacket is not necessarily an unwise purchase at this time. Reading between the lines what Im really saying is I love that jacket and I think you should have it :) The colourful floral jacket you linked to is nice but you know everyone is wearing that look. I find the floral in the moto style much more interesting.

  • Adelfa replied 11 years ago

    I LOVE the floral on you. It brings out your hair, your complexion, your figure--everything. I completely adore it.

  • lyn67 replied 11 years ago

    I very much love the white motto on you. Nowadys I'm more attracted to strong, bold monochromatic contrasts than to a mish-mash hues, but the flower jacket (in a bigger size)will loo fab with your skirts and dresses for sure, I say, both would have earn their place in your wardrobe. Not much of a help, I know:-(.

  • krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

    After looking at the pics, reading your post, looking at the pics again, and again back and forth, I declare that I prefer the floral one.

    When I saw the Danier one I thought it was so you. I saw it was a bit on the long side but it looks like you could pull it off.

    However the floral one's cut is so much more flattering on you, I imagine it would be more versatile too. And I like the motif. I think it would respond well to pieces you currently wear.

  • Marlene1 replied 11 years ago

    Haven't read the other replies, but the black and white jacket is too much - it's wearing you. The floral moto is much more flattering and is still cool.

  • Glory replied 11 years ago

    I love the moto on you - the fit and the style seems to work well for you. I love the idea of the white and black leather but the fit is not perfect to my eye. It would be a good addition so perhaps that one needs PPP. I did notice that Winners is bringing in the floral blazer and a few motos - might be worth a look there - in the juniors for the moto and the womens for the blazer. You might be able to get what Suz calls the floral fix, that way.

  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    Are you kidding, there is no contest! The floral moto is amazing on you. the scuba jacket is too long, too boxy and shapeless.

    The price gives me pause though... floral jackets are a trend... perhaps this one would have more staying power in your wardrobe as it is a graphic black and white pattern. I have lots of b/w patterned pieces that I've worn for years that don't seem to date for me.

  • Aziraphale replied 11 years ago

    I'm reminded of the old adage, "If in doubt, do without".

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    I can't thank you all enough for your wise and wonderful feedback. Every single comment has made me think - and for that, I'm extremely grateful.

    As much as the floral moto makes my heart pitter patter a little bit, I'm going to pass on it - for now. The price for an item that I do see as fairly trendy and unsure whether I'd be wearing it in six months gives me pause.

    I'm going to dig out my current floral blazer and see what I still think about it and possibly look to see if I can find a well fitting, less expensive jacket to get me through the spring/summer.

    The leather moto is a definite "no go".

    Thanks again ladies - you're the best!

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives

About

I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.