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Suz replied 10 years ago
Ooh! Excited that yours came! (Mine is waiting at my US address but I can't pick it up until the weekend...)
So. It seems to me that you really love this jacket, no? As you know, I have a soft spot for it, too, and on the whole I think it looks really good on you. Plus, clearly you can make good use of a navy blazer. So styling is not an issue.
Now, to get down to the nitty gritty picky stuff because that's what these threads are all about.
My first impression was: FAB!
My next impression was: Darn, why is it so hard to photograph dark items -- I really can't make out enough detail here.
My third impression (looking at first photo) was: Hmmm. Is it a bit long for her perhaps and wide in the shoulder? Something seems a wee bit off.
But I didn't think so looking at the next pic. So...could be a trick of the camera, or an issue of proportion/
Liked it BEST in #4 with scrunched sleeves.
Liked it less with the Magic dress.
Did not like it much with that open collar shirt in 7, but might if it were not a contrasting collar.
Did like it with the tee neck.
Felt some qualms about the back fit.
SO -- dying to know YOUR thoughts!
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replied 10 years ago
I like it. I thought photo 1-3 was of a bigger size, I don't know why it looks bigger in those pics. Then I got to phote 4 and I really liked it. Maybe it was the scrunching of the sleeves. So I like 4 thru rest. The shoulders do look wide but not bad. I thinking from your smile that it's a keeper.
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Diana replied 10 years ago
I really like it with the dresses (all of them) and with the tee/BF jeans outfit. I think the fit looks good in the shoulders. As you mention, the lower back fit is slightly too long or something but since you seem OK with that I don't think it's a dealbreaker.
The only outfit I don't like is with the tube skirt, since it looks somehow too long, but I'm guessing that's a proportion thing with the skirt as it looks fine with all the other outfits. I do want to see the back view with something other than the skirt because I'm not liking it but I think it might just be because I don't like it with the skirt.
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replied 10 years ago
My first impression is that it seems too big -- not the back view only, but something in the shoulder or the sides of it.
I like it best in 4 -- scrunching the sleeves seems to change the shape of the armholes or something to help with the drape of the front.
My second favourite is the BF jeans and T look.
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lyn* replied 10 years ago
I love the tee/BF jeans outfit - that is one of your best! :)
I am not sure if I like the proportions of this blazer with some of the dresses though; although the longer line is in again, apparently ... haha; who knows!!! :)
How do you feel about it?
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Mia replied 10 years ago
Love the boyfriend jean outfit. Looks perfect. Not so sure about with the dresses and it is so hard to judge dark colours in photos.
Honestly, this is why I have way too many dark blazers. I just can't find a "do all". I don't really want to either because I love all my "children".
Interested to see what you decide. Now i have to go and produce dinner :)
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Deborah replied 10 years ago
Have read the other comments and I must say I am not seeing it as too big. Solid coloured dark jackets like this look "heavier" than what you have been wearing over Spring /Summer and I wonder if that is affecting our collective eye? I particularly love the jacket in the corporate pants ensemble (7 & 9). I think the jacket works best with pants, jeans and knee length skirts. I don't think it looks bad with the midi length but I do think the proportions are better with knee length. Shannon, I may have mentioned I have a very similar jacket and I love it. It's a nice blend of tailored with interest. I'm voting keep:)
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DonnaF replied 10 years ago
I like this blazer best with jeans and trousers. Sorry to be a spanner, but IMHO, it looks only okay with dresses, but I don't feel that it really *elevates* them IYKWIM -- and at this price point, if it were me, I would want it to do so. :( This jacket with Theory trousers on you would probably have me fainting, however.
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
I need to see these on my computer but it is so interesting to see one of my workhorses on someone else! More later when I can offer an informed opinion.
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K. Period. replied 10 years ago
Ok, so maybe I'm crazy, but I LOOOOOOVE IT! I don't see anything wrong with the shoulders. It looks like a good shoulder fit to me. If I'm seeing it right, it has a strong shoulder line, then you see just the absolute slightest hint of the outside of your deltoid bumping the uppermost sleeve out, right? The end of the shoulder is just at or maybe a tiny bit over your shoulder's end? I think that is perfect. This looks like a total winner to me. (But with all that gushing, I reserve the right to change my mind if Angie chimes in and points out anything that I've missed. You know. 'Cause I'm dependable like that. A rock. Except when the tide comes in.)
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Suz replied 10 years ago
To clarify my observations -- I don't think it looks too big in the shoulder (from what I can see, anyway). I think the proportions look wrong with the midi for some reason.
I really prefer it with scrunched sleeves for some reason. Is this my terminal love of scrunching, or something based in reality? Who knows.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Well...I must admit I'm quite surprised at the responses 'cause I absolutely love the jacket.
I have measured the shoulders and waist and they are EXACTLY the same as the RW&Co blazer I wore yesterday which everyone thought was a great fit.
The shoulder seams hit me pretty much at the edge of my shoulders. The blazer does have a strong shoulder.
I do prefer the sleeves scrunched as I do with most of my blazers.
An item can be "sold" with the right styling and maybe some of these outfits don't do the blazer justice.
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Amy replied 10 years ago
The shoulders seem good, but it does seem like its a bit long on your torso. Even if the waist is hitting at the right spot, the pocket welts draw my eye lower. Don't get me wrong, I love the jacket. I'm just nit-picking as sort of a devils advocate. :)
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Suz replied 10 years ago
I think that's my observation, too, Shannon. Not that the jacket is too long for you, per se. That it might be a tad too long for this jacket. But careful styling can make up for that.
What I mean is that the designer probably didn't intend for this particular jacket to be quite this long. But as a petite short waisted woman I think you are quite used to that situation. The Lanai has somewhat similar lines to "our" Danier jacket. And you wear the Danier to perfection. Technically, it is longer on you than what the designer probably intended. (Same is true for me by the way, even though I'm a couple of inches taller.) But there are ways of styling it so it looks grand. And you do that every time you wear it.
I do think the scrunching gives it the structure you need. That's true for the Danier, too. Luckily the sleeves on that one stay up easily. Would that also be true here?
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Sveta replied 10 years ago
I think it is a good blazer for you Shannon - both in style and fit. I do prefer it with to the knee pencils and BF jeans but it does not look too bad with black trousers either. My least favorites are #1 and 6 - it seems too long proportionally for those skirts - but hey, who said every jacket should go with ALL things in your closet? If it goes with half it is good enough in my book:-)
Suz, I cannot wait to see it on you!
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
It does have similar lines to our Danier jacket which is indeed technically too long for me and actually fits me the same way in the back. It's because the waist of the jacket doesn't hit me precisely at my waist. You're also right that I am used to that.
I'm on my phone so can't add the pictures but I quickly looked at a couple of Una's outfits with her Lanai jacket and to my untrained eye it looks about the same length on her with the pocket welts in the same spot.
I do know that my RW&Co jacket is 1.5 inches shorter on the body and that's probably why it looks better overall.
I do apologize if I sound defensive but I'm trying to understand why I don't see the same issues as those being pointed out.
Still love it.
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
Shannon, I think the difference is that my shoulders and bust take up more room inside the jacket, and that brings it up a bit. It falls a bit differently on me in the mid-section. I am stymied as to what else could account for that slight roominess and illusion of length on you. It's like I want to hike the jacket shoulder back on you a bit.
It is really hard for me to judge this on you because I am so biased and in love with it as a workhorse item. I will say that I am about to purge my grey Theory blazer (not a Lanai) because the cut on me just doesn't fall as I'd like.
My Lanai does not have pockets - does yours?
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Suz replied 10 years ago
I don't think I've ever seen that jacket on Una without the sleeves scrunched or rolled. The other issue may be that Una might not be as short waisted. So the "points" of that jacket appear to be pointing towards her approximate real waist (even though her real waist is probably a bit higher).
But Shannon - notice Una's wearing it with a knee length dress here. That may be its best partner (apart from pants) because that's how it looks best on you, too.
Very interesting.
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
I don't think I' m short-waisted, but then again I don't think I have a waist.
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Vildy replied 10 years ago
I'm one who loves it best on you in the pants outfits. Meaning I like it fine with the skirted outfits but I think it's particularly wonderful with the pants.
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replied 10 years ago
I was imprecise in my terminology -- the breadth of the shoulder looks ok to me, I get it is a strong shoulder blazer. Where I mean is from the armhole to the front/sides. With sleeves down it seems to hang as if it is too long for your upper torso. When you scrunch, it kind of pushes that part into place and then it seems to fit much better.
I am sorry I commented because you seem to really love it, and that is the most important thing!
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Suz & Una - you know I love you guys and how you are helping me figure this out right?
Una - you said something which has really caught my attention in that you want to pull the shoulders back on me. Maybe I need to adjust the jacket onus body a bit? BTW my jacket doesn't have pockets but rather a welt seam for faux pockets.
Maybe I'm trying too hard to compare how the jacket looks on me compared to how it looks on Una. It's not going to look the same because we're not the same.
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pil replied 10 years ago
I'm getting a similar vibe with the size too, it must be an optical illusion of some sort. My styling preferences are toward the banded dresses and the slacks and jeans.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Ceit don't ever apologize for giving your honest opinion. I'm a big girl and people's comments always make me learn something and think . Fab feedback has kept me from making a lot of mistakes.
But I do love the jacket and might have to fight for it - lol!
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Suz replied 10 years ago
I really don't think it's optical illusion. I think Ceit might be onto something about the armhole issue.
Although in a way I feel as if I'm stabbing in the dark here because it's so darn hard to see. RATS!! I wish we had a fix for this. The only trick seems to be taking pics outside in broad daylight! Is it going to be nice in your neck of the woods tomorrow, Shannon?
And yes, you and Una are different - it won't look the same. It just needs to look fab!
Think how different the same BR jacket looked on me, Sveta, and Diana. Comparison to those threads would be interesting. Different bodies, different look -- can be an equally good (but different) look, or an equally bad look, or spectacular on one and "meh" on another.
And you will see the Lanai on me on the weekend. I am not holding out a lot of hope for it, to be honest. Angie has warned me against it...
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
I think Ceit is saying what I'm saying, in a different way - I take up more upper space in the jacket, therefore the jacket sits back on me, and more forward on you. Almost like you need to shrug it back. That would also account for the back being off a bit. Perhaps a tailoring tweak?
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rae replied 10 years ago
Huh, I'm surprised at the responses, too - I think it's freakin' gorgeous on you. There isn't a single outfit option I don't like.
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Jaime replied 10 years ago
Hmm, well it took all my willpower not to open ebay and check if they have this in my size - does that tell you anything? I love it with the tee and bfs (#8) but I also think it works with the dresses and skirt. Really the only thing that gave me pause was the collar outside the jacket. But I am just 1/2 through my first cup of coffee so bear that in mind.
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Janet replied 10 years ago
Well, I for one really love it on you! I'm not as crazy about the stylings in 6 and with the high-contrast collared shirt, but otherwise I think it's fab on you. The color is great too.
As someone else who has difficulty with a perfect back fit (darn wonky spine), I don't see that as a deal breaker.
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Echo replied 10 years ago
I think it is fabulous. The only outfit I do not like is #1/10, and I think the only reason is because the dark shirt line under the jacket - at least at the spot it is hitting in the photos - doesn't work to my eye. I like the sleeves long with the trouser outfit, but I far prefer them scrunched with dresses. Outfit 4/5 looks far better than 2/3, and it is ONLY because the sleeves are scrunched. Somehow the long sleeves throw the proportions off with a dress, IMO.
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MsMary replied 10 years ago
I think it's great! I vote "keep!"
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rae replied 10 years ago
How's this for a vote of confidence: just snagged one off ebay for myself! Between you and Una, two gals I always, always want to copycat, it seemed only right. Tried it on at work and, loved the fit, but you showed off the versatility. :-)
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
Rae, you won't regret it - and Shannon I think this will work for you too. Waiting to hear what Angie says. Sleeve scrunching is my MO, so you will notice I never wear this jacket unscrunched.
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Beth Ann replied 10 years ago
Shannon, you look beautiful in these pics. I love the strong line of the blazer --- very contemporary and minimal. The openness of the neckline is terrific on you. I'm not loving its long structure with 6 or 7, but I adore it in 4 and 8, particularly.
As for the fit. The front length and waist issue doesn't bother me at all. I think it works. I'm not wild on the wrinkle in the back, although it's hard to see in the photo. Could this area be taken up slightly without too much cost or difficulty? Is it less noticeable IRL than in photos?
As for K/R:
Will buying this jacket move you forward in your style goals? I think you'll definitely have a creative burst styling it, since it represents a new silhouette, and that's a good thing.
Does this purchase come at a steep price that it will keep you from filling important holes, or is it a quality item that will elevate what's already in your closet? I think a well-curated wardrobe is always best, but I try to not put too much on any one item. That said, I have 5 black jackets, when I would probably have done better to purchase, say, 3 10's instead of 5 7's.
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Marley replied 10 years ago
I have no clue whether it looks good on you or not Shannon - because I am very, very biased about this jacket/style in general (I love it/want it - but the style does not love me back! - and that makes me soooo sad!) I bought this jacket at the NAS and held onto it for a month before I finally faced reality that the style doesn't work on my body-type and I very sadly returned it. Then, this last weekend when Angie was with us, I tried it on at Bloomies to show Angie (secretly hoping that she would tell me that I was wrong, that the jacket was absolutely perfect for me and how could I have ever possibly returned the jacket?!?!?!?!?!) But (sob) that was not her reaction at all. It was more like "Marley, take that jacket off right now - it doesn't work on your body - move on - that style doesn't work for you, blah, blah, blah" ;-) So, there ya' go. I think in general terms, this jacket should work for your body-type - in the first couple of pics it looks a little big on you - but then in later pictures it doesn't - so, yep, I'm not helping, am I?
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catgirl replied 10 years ago
Wow, Marley - I can't imagine anything not looking amazing on you... I guess my one style fits all idea of this jacket may be off. I'm curious to know why! Once again, I'm clueless!
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Marley replied 10 years ago
Una - I think it had to do with my flat chest - nothing to fill out the jacket and it just made it hang really funny - and it bunched around the armholes - really weird-like. What was even weirder is that the jacket didn't work on Vicki either (and she's definitely not flat-chested!) But Angie also told her that it didn't work on her either - and she picked out for both of us a different style of Theory jacket that she said worked on us. I didn't like it near as well as the Lanai - in fact, when she told me that it was "my" jacket I threw a little temper tantrum in the store, because it just wasn't near as fun as the Lanai. Angie told me to move on - but, I'm still in mourning!
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Suz replied 10 years ago
[Warning: Threadjack]
Una, what Marley says is the same thing that Angie has been telling me. Remember when she told me to pass on trying that gorgeous leather jacket you found for me last year? It was a similar style (except with drape, which would make it eve LESS likely to work on me.) She has also told me to steer clear of Lanai but finally gave me permission to order it simply because she knows I have to see it to believe it; otherwise I will continue to lust after it.
I have a small bust (well, duh...) and I'm very unlikely to fill out the top of the jacket. So it will do similar things on me as it does on Marley. In Vicki's case I am speculating, but for her I wonder if her shoulders are so dainty that they don't hold it back (despite having the front real estate to fill it) and/ or if she is just too tiny for it overall. (This may be somewhat true of Marley, too -- and will also be true of me, if that's the case.)
It's never true that one item will look great on all bodies. Angie warned me against the gorgeous Halogen jacket that Mochi ordered, too. Similar styling to the Lanai.
The one reason that I, personally, continued to hope about the Lanai is that -- as I mentioned to Shannon -- it is actually quite similar in shape to our leather Danier (she has it in black and I have it in taupe). So...
But Shannon, it occurs to me that the Danier, precisely because it is leather, has more built in structure than the fabric Lanai. Especially with those overlapping leather panels on the front. So it doesn't "collapse" in that front area but holds its shape perfectly. Maybe that is one reason it works on us so well.
I honestly think that if you love this jacket, it will love you back. In many of these outfits it looks stellar. But it doesn't fit you as it fits Una, so if that is the look you are aiming for, you don't quite get it with this jacket, IMO.
Marley, if you pop back in here, do you remember which style of Theory Angie recommended to you? I am pretty sure I will be seeking them out after my own Lanai experience this weekend!
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kkards replied 10 years ago
ok, late to the party, but i think that this looks fab on you. i like the way it fits, to my eye the cut clearly emphasis your shape. i'm putting this on my copycat list.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
So did some more thinking about the jacket and came to some conclusions.
1. First, thank you ALL so much for your input - both positive and negative. I always learn so much from these K/R posts and would never want anyone to say what they didn't honestly think.
2. Styling an items makes ALL the difference in a K/R post. If someone doesn't like how you're wearing an item, it can make the person think they do not like the particular item, when in fact that's not really the case. The outfit with the white contrast collar in particular was not a good way to try and showcase the jacket.
3. Items can look significantly different IRL than in photos.
4. I believe Una's jacket may be a different fabrication than this one? The Lanai does come in different fabrics which can alter how it lays obviously.
5. Probably 90% of my blazers have that wrinkle in the back. I tried on my Danier black leather blazer, new RW & Co blazer, and red Gap blazer last night for comparison and they ALL have that wrinkle. I have a significant indent in the small of my back that coupled with my short-waistedness results in this. I noticed that even my CM floral moto does this. It's just the way I'm built.
6. Like Una, I wear my blazer sleeves scrunched most of the time. I do find the scrunching helps in giving a bit more structure to any jacket.
7. Sweet Una absolutely ROCKS her Lanai jacket and I wish I could look that good in mine - but I'm not going to and I'm ok with that.
8. As for whether this jacket elevates my style (as to Beth Ann's point), it is exactly the direction I'm wanting to go. I have been on the hunt for a navy blazer since last year with no success. I love button-less blazers because I have often found that finding one to do up often means it is much too large elsewhere in order to have the waist accommodate my mid section. I also prefer a jacket with a strong shoulder line since I have very sloping shoulders. A strong shoulder jacket gives my upper body more presence and helps provide overall balance IMHO.
So what does this all mean? I've decided to keep the jacket. I love the construction, the color, the fabric, etc.and will work on styling it in the best ways possible :)
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cinnamon fern replied 10 years ago
Shannon, are you sure the pockets aren't just sewn closed? That's how my version came - I would be kind of annoyed at fake pockets at this price point.
And because I love seeing the same thing on different people, here's mine:
Fetching with tank and shorts, no? Just what I was wearing this morning.
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Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Could be CF - to be honest, I didn't really check that closely - too tired last night.
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Glory replied 10 years ago
I am so late to this thread - the forum moves at such a speed. I am a yes vote for this blazer. I think you rock it and already have some great outfits planned.
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Sarah A replied 10 years ago
I like Shannon! And (gasp!) I actually liked it with the light collar short too. I am not in a serious wondering how this jacket would work on my body type. Hmmm hmmm hmmm.... Cant wait to see this beauty in action!
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Suz replied 10 years ago
That's great, Shannon. You will enjoy it! And I will envy it and enjoy it vicariously, no doubt.... :-)
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rae replied 10 years ago
PS: check the back fit on the model. I think sometimes this is just the nature of a 2-D woven fabric curved onto a 4-D shape (4 Ds since we move around over time!)
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Day Vies replied 10 years ago
#1 8 & 9 are my favorites! I like how you've styled it especially with the sleeves scrunched. I adore how the jacket suggests a narrow waist by how the front of the jacket is cut. I especially love the sharp shoulders. I think it's a fabulous jacket. I've not read other's responses but I think this jacket is yours. Furthermore i am inspired by #1's combination of masculine and feminine elements. I need to copy. ;-)
