Are you a Blazer Girl or a Cardigan Girl? (Theory Risea Jacket Review)

I have always liked blazers. Before getting into shopping at J.Crew a few years ago, I don't think I owned a single cardigan.

It seems a little strange now, but not so long ago,  I associated cardigans with my grandfather.  I had a few crewneck and v-neck pullovers and some turtlenecks, but no cardis.  I wasn't into layered look and I didn't wear many dresses.

What I did own in multiples were jackets and blazers: suiting, tweed, linen, corduroy, velvet, wool and cotton.  So after I started shopping at J.Crew, I bought the coveted Lexington and Bella blazers, several schoolboys, Ecole, Eden and Hacking, but none of them became my favorites. I do like the look and cut of the Lexington but I find very limited opportunities to wear it, because it is so heavy.

I also bought the navy and black tipped versions but I sold them on JCA and only left the pink. To me, this more of a piece of outerwear, so I can only wear it few times a year in the spring and fall, when the weather is around 60 F and not raining.


My favorite blazers are from Theory. I was obsessed with Theory back when they came up with Max C trousers (I own several pairs in different colors, they are fantastic and worth every penny). You have seen this pinstriped, wool blazer on me, it is probably about 10 years old:

I also have a summer version in cream that I never wear, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because I don't find myself reaching for blazers in the humid hot New Jersey summers.

Surprisingly, I did not have a black boyfriend blazer in my collection except for this J.Crew drapey wool Mackenzie jacket. I like it because it is very unstructured and drapes well. You can view it on Polyvore.  But the fit is mediocre on me.

I used to love a classic Evan Picone black skirt suit that I bought in the 90s and that has been to many interviews with me. I still have it but I find it too big now. It is size 8 and I didn't lost weight, if anything, it is the opposite, but suiting is cut a differently now and my suit seems dowdy. This is one of the reasons I don't believe in timeless pieces of wardrobe.  At the time when I bought the suit it was the most classic I could find, but the cut and sensibility always changes,  and even the recycled styles are never exactly the same as originals. So I never think of my clothes as 'investments', they are definitely an 'expense' and I know that I will get bored with them sooner or later.

Anyway, this Theory blazer fills the hole in my blazer wardrobe and the fit is excellent.

Size 6

My capris were in the laundry, so I rolled up my TR jeans to give you an idea how I would style it. It also looks cute over a shorter dress and of course it could go to an interview with my Max C trousers in the same fabric.

looks good open

Tailor fabric has very smooth hand that will not attract liny (my peeve with black wool blazers) and it is lightweight, suitable to at least 3 season wear. It is 96% wool and 5% Lycra and the lining is 94% Polyester and 6% spandex but it feels good against the skin. It is made in USA, which is a rarity now.

The blazer manages to be very structured without feeling constricting. It has shoulder pads and slightly wider shoulders because it is a boyfriend type blazer and meant to look 'borrowed from the boys'.  I ordered a 6 because I compared the measurement to the Gabe blazer I own (which is size 10) and they seemed to be the same.

Well, it is a tight fit and I think I would prefer an 8 if I wanted to wear it mostly closed, but I think a 6 looks better open and fits perfectly everywhere except for my chest where it is pulling a little bit. It does have some stretch and it actually felt better after I had it on for a few minutes.

I mostly thought of wearing it open  with a tank or scoopneck top. It also looks good with a thin silk/cotton button down like my liberty shirt.  

trying to show detail but it is very hard to photograph

Unfortunately I don't have enough light to show the details, I could not take it to work to do bathroom shots, since I haven't yet decided if I am keeping it.

Looks good buttoned up but it is a close fit

Overall, I think it is an excellent value and great cut and exactly what I had in mind. I wish I had ordered an 8 as well, to compare, because it is now sold out. I may go check if they have it in the store. But I think and 8 may be too wide in the shoulders and everywhere so I am not sure if it is worth to get that  for an extra room in the chest.

That's all folks!

***

I have not received the Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch since it is backordered but I will have a review of Sam Edelman wedges, which you can see in above pictures and White House Black Market silk tie neck blouse (both are the winners).

What do you think about this blazer? 
Is it worth the money? (about $230 with the discount)

Are you a blazer girl or a cardigan girl?
I am now both. Actually, I prefer the look of blazers, but find cardigans more practical. Please share, it woudl be no fun without you!!!