The Boyfriend. [Review: Talula by Aritzia Exeter Blazer]

      I wasn't going to review/post about this blazer for another few weeks (because it's so darn hot still!), but since the petite community has been wondering about this jacket, I thought I would do a quick review now.


      I love blazers. I've worn them since I was ten years old at my mom's insistence because she thought they were stylish. I used to argue a lot with her about fashion when I was a child, but this one of the few things we agreed on.


      I have quite a few blazers, but if you are petite like I am, it's more than likely that most of your blazers are the short or "shrunken" fit to help "even out" the proportions of your body. You can't deny that if you are petite, small jackets pretty much never fail. So when the "boyfriend" blazer suddenly made its entrance into the fashion world, I was pretty hesitant. I wasn't sure it was one of those trends I wanted to get into, and I for sure thought it was going to pass. A long jacket on a petite? 'ell no! 


     But now, a few years later, it seems like a mainstay, and I decided that my jacket collection needed to expand outwards with a different cut.  I also knew that it had to fit well so I wouldn't look overwhelmed by its length, which probably meant that this boyfriend blazer would likely have to come from Aritzia if I didn't want it to cost $300. And I found it. It's called the Exeter. It's a little bit longer in length than my other blazers, with big pockets and gold buttons. It also comes in five different colors. The fit on me in a size zero is looks pretty great (it also comes in double zero in all the colors that I tried on). It is probably a little borderline tight in the back of the shoulders (the shoulder length itself is fine), but going up a to a size two would be slightly too big on me and big in the waist. That's typical of all my Aritzia blazers, so go with your regular Aritzia size if you are planning to buy this jacket. The regular price for this blazer is $125, which IMO isn't *that* terrible given that it is fully lined, well-structured in the shoulders like a real suit jacket, and made of a light wool blend...and no alterations needed! Although, admittedly, I won't be buying two at this price.  I also had a $40 gift card to spend from last Christmas, so this cost me $85 plus tax. Something I'm not totally crazy about is the oversized pockets, I'd much prefer welt or small flap pockets, but it's not a deal breaker given the fit. Jean from ExtraPetite, isn't a fan of the gold buttons, but I like them as it gives a more casual look to it, which is how I'll be wearing this jacket (as opposed to the office). After trying on three different colors, black, charcoal, and navy, I decided on the black and I'm super happy with it! I can't wait til the weather cools down so I can actually WEAR it instead of staring at it all day. 



     I've also been trying to figure out if I can wear these GAP Broken-in Skimmers in a more dressed up way. And this is what I came up with (I added a few extra photos in this post so you could see what the blazer looks like up-close):

Blazer: Talula by Aritzia Exeter Boyfriend Blazer (Black, size 0).

Top: T. Babaton by Aritzia Jersey Slub Pocket Tee (Red, size XS).

Bottoms: GAP Broken-in Skimmers (Cement, size 00P).

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Amaya Pump (Black, size 6).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Belt: Ann Taylor Animal Print calf-hair Belt (Leopard, size S).

Handbag: Olivia Harris (Dark Teal Patent).
Bracelet: H&M Men's Leather Cuff (Dark Brown).
Necklace: Dogeared Mantra Necklace (Silver).

    This  jacket also comes in a shorter, shrunken version--it's kind of more "office-y", but if you are shorter than I am, it might be a better choice. The key to the fit of the boyfriend blazer is to make sure it fits in the shoulders and the length doesn't go past the bottom of your derriere. Anything longer will be overwhelming (and matronly).


   Now that I look back at these photos, I'm not sure I'm crazy about the proportions down below my knees. Capri pants are so difficult to pull off, especially if you're not built like Charlize Theron. Next time I'll try a higher heel and see if that will fix it.


     I'm going home to T.O. for a week and a half for a wedding (if you follow me on Twitter, I've been posting random tweets about this). I'm not sure if I'm going to have anything to post in the meantime (possibly just some fitting room posts). But don't be alarmed if you don't see a post for a few weeks!


   Skimmers remixed: