In my twenties and thirties I never would have considered wearing a down vest. In fact, I thought it utterly useless, a purely wasteful garment manufactured simply to rid guileless shoppers of their money.In the last few years, though, I’ve had an abrupt change of heart. I borrowed one from a friend one mild winter’s day and suddenly saw what all the fuss was about: down vests were practical when a coat or jacket had simply too much fabric! And for this Canadian, who’s always too warm, the vest offered excellent climate control.
But: down vests work nicely with a pair of dark wash jeans, and not much else (unless you’re on the slopes).
Couldn’t there be a more upscale version of the same fashion concept?
Enter the short sleeve jacket and coat. The bracelet-sleeve jacket below is from Neiman Marcus's private label; the coat above, worn by the rather querilous-looking model, from Alberta Ferretti.
These have been, if you’ll pardon the pun, hot, hot, hot lately, as evidence from the blog traffic they’re getting. Enc has posted a ladylike stunner from Barneys, and Songy has a great photo of two winsome lasses just rocking the look.
There’s also a sweater coat/cardigan version, as seen here (#10) on Savvy Mode.
So—are you “down” with the short-sleeve look?
6 comments:
I totally get where you're coming from. I used to think they were a) ugly and b) useless. Um, hello people, we want sleeves. But I got one last year (who knows why I relented - it was down, it was cute, it was from Simons, it dropped 20 degrees overnight in Mtl. in late Sept.) Long story short: Just wore it again today (as I have done many days this autumn) - toasty tummy! I'm a convert.
Crazy, isn't it? I bought two in the last two years: an off-white trim Lacoste and a shocking pink something-or-other (Columbia?). But two is more than enough!
lol
short sleeve coats are fashionable now but I don't know for how long. I remember Korean ladies wearing short sleeve suits. I thought they were ghastly. Then again, if tailored right they might even work now.
Never had a pleasure of experiencing s down vest here but I might do when it gets colder next year.
Thank you so much for a nice mention, Miss Cav. :)
Now that I am in the land of LA-LA where no coat is required, the shortish sleeve jacket seems like a lovely alternative to my full length down coat I have worn in Chicago for the last two years.
I was surprised when I got a short sleeved jacket this spring -- it's really so useful!
As you know, I've come around to this look. I dismissed it out of hand initially, but now I see it's merit, especially where I live.
I love your choices, very refined.
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