Here's the thing: I loooove blazers. But they really aren't practical when you live in Florida. I recently picked up this coral stunner during a 50% off promo at Banana. The gold buttons, one of my favorite colors, I was immediately sold. But now I'm not sure about keeping it. On the one hand, I am a believer in making "investments" from time to time (like a designer bag, or even my navy blazer) on items you will love and wear forever. Often referred to as "cost per wear," you can make purchases totally worth it if you wear them enough times. But I'm just not sure if this blazer falls into the fun category, or the classic piece I will love forever category. Sometimes it takes me awhile to decide on an item, and this blazer has me stumped! Have you ever been in a similar situation? Would you keep or return this blazer?
Blazer: Banana Republic, $69
Shirt: Forever 21, $11
Jeans: Gap, $35
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt (right): H&M, $5
Shoes: BCBG from Ross, $20
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Rings: LOFT pink ring $11, My Stella & Dot website $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic $10, My Stella & Dot website $49
My coral blazer is new, but not available online, so here are some similar options for ya!
1. Forever 21 coral blazer, $27.80
2. Arden B coral blazer, $69
3. BB Dakota coral blazer, $79
Beautiful colors, I love this outfit!
ReplyDeleteDon't return it! It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI think the blazer is gorgeous! But, something about it doesn't look quite right on you. I can't put my finger on it. I would say if you don't have much use for a blazer in FL, then don't keep it and spend the money on something you'll wear more often!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE it! I can see where a blazer might not be completely practical in Florida and with the bright colors and gold buttons its possible it may seem dated a few years from now. But I soooo love it right now, Id say its totally worth it and hope that it stays current for years to come.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great on you but your face screams unconvinced. I live about an hour from orlando so I understand the weather side of things. But I also think that creativity knows no bounds, it can be made fun/classic/formal if you commit to the piece and courageously making it yours. That said I find fashion beyond shorts and a tank top in Florida hard because of the heat so I loooove your blog to use as a reference!
ReplyDeleteI think the fit is amazing on you, but I'm not loving the sleeves. I dont think they "scrunch" well, you know?? The color is gorgeous and I'm sure you could find so many different outfits to put it with though. I'm in the same boat as you - I live in Houston and there is just no room for a fun blazer in my life. I also see all the cute layering with button-up shirts and cardigans and such...not gonna happen!! If it were me, for the price I would return it. I *really* hate to say that though because it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the color and I love blazers! It looks great on you and the color is great for warm weather! I think you should keep it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with Coral at the moment!! I'm swooning over every picture I see with that colour! *sigh*
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Ritcha
http://ritchastyle.blogspot.com
We just moved to North Carolina and my normal fun layering season (spring) has been dashed by summer-like weather, so I completely understand. I probably wouldn't keep it because of the coral, which is in now, but might not be in the near future. I am also loving all things coral right now, but a blazer should be something you can imagine wearing for years to come, in my opinion. :) You do look fab, though!
ReplyDeleteLove that blazer, especially the buttons!!!! I can understand your conodrum though! If you don't think you are going to return it often, than maybe you should return it. It's like you said...got to get the bang for your buck basically!
ReplyDeleteThat's a hard call - I personally love the color & the gold buttons...but it really comes down to your lifestyle & if you think you will honestly wear it often. If it was me, though, I would keep it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the blazer but lately it has been so hot here in Florida we'll atleast on my end. Daytona Beach has no idea whether it wants to be chilly, breezy, or blazing hot.
ReplyDeleteKEEP THE BLAZER!!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteWell, I would say return and wait for a less pricey piece but damn if this isn't well made! Especially when you compare to the options you found! If it's within budget, I say keep it but it is a bit on the high end for such a trendy color, you know?
ReplyDeletei love it! i got a coral blazer this weekend, too and i am a HUGE fan so far! keep it!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit, I love coral! ♥
ReplyDeleteThat color is beautiful with your coloring! As far as what to do, how much do you like it? Because I try to stick to a budget, I've tried to hold myself to not keeping anything unless I'm absolutely crazy about it. It really is so beautiful that if it were me, here in the desert where temps top 100 for weeks at a time, I'd justify keeping it because the AC is so frigid everywhere in the summer to compensate for those temps. :) (I agree with another poster that the buttons could look dated in a few years, although you could change them out with a different color).
ReplyDeleteI’m torn. It looks SO good on you, but I live close enough to know how impractical layering and blazers are. It looks like a thicker blazer and not a lightweight one and so I'd probably take it back, but it does look so good on you. I think Norstrom’s still has a Caslon coral knit lightweight blazer on sale. I bought 2 in other colors b/c they are light enough to wear in the South in the spring, but it is a very, very knit casual blazer and not as nice as this one.
ReplyDeleteEven though I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blazer I do not think it falls into the catergory of investment piece. It is more of a fun piece in my opinion mostly because of it being the color of the season.
ReplyDeleteKeep it!!! There should be plenty of functions where the AC will be blasting and you'll wish you had something as AHMAHZING as that to wear for a layer. it looks great with those outfits and for that reason, you keep it :)
ReplyDeleteKEEP. Those buttons make it beautiful and it was half off! I'm in love.
ReplyDeleteTotally cute blazer! Even if you only wear it 4 or 5 times every spring early summer, I think it's worth it. Don't you get cold in the AC? Here in Dallas it's pretty warm all year (I don't think I wore a cat but 2 or 3 times this winter) but I always have a sweater or a jacket with me even when it's warm outside because it's always freezing inside!
ReplyDeleteKEEP IT! You look amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI would TOTALLY keep this blazer! It is so cute! I recently brought a bright colored blazer and I think it looks cute with just about everything. But this is coming from a girl who lives in Chicago who can wear blazers almost any day of the week right now. So if you don't keep it you know who to pass it on too ;)
ReplyDeleteLoving the Coral blazer. I sometimes find myself in LOVING a piece but being torn if it is really practical or not! And just by looking at your pictures..i'm torn with you!! its sooo pretty!
ReplyDeletehttp://primrosecourt.blogspot.com/
Coming from a region where layering is always necessary (even in the summer when my office blasts the air conditioner), I say keep it! But I get that if you're not going to use it often, the price is a little steep if you think you aren't going to want to wear it a few years from now. I like it with that shirt underneath though!
ReplyDeleteHope the speaking engagement went well!
Love this top!! So cute. Thanks for giving a link right to it on F21. Their website is endless so sometimes I get overwhelmed looking when people just link to the website in general.
ReplyDeletei just love your style!
I do the same thing. I think the color is beautiful on you, but I'm not sure its a keeper either. I think if it were a basic color then I could see you wearing for years and years, but not the coral color. Plus if you are having 2nd thoughts then you should go with your gut feeling.
ReplyDeleteLove this! :) I would keep the blazer... those gold buttons are amazing! But then again, I can understand if it isn't very practical in Florida, then it is hard to keep something. Blazers in Minnesota are always great! Love this paired with white trousers and a white pencil skirt!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't keep the blazer, can I buy it from you? I am 100% serious...
ReplyDeleteKEEP. The styling of the blazer is classic enough that you can wear it for years. I find it difficult to find cute, classic and colorful blazers.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and LOVE it. And for the record, I'd definitely keep the blazer So cute! xo-Kelli
ReplyDeletewww.leopardandlavender.com
I am in love with this blazer, but you can only wear a coral blazer so many times. I have a really amazing baby blue blazer with embroidered ivory flowers that I love, but in the 5 years I've owned it I've only worn it maybe 5 times. I get compliments on it anytime I wear it, but it's a piece that people remember.
ReplyDeleteHere's a suggestion... maybe buy the cheaper one shown from forever 21 and remove the buttons and put gold ones on it. You can make a really simple piece look special by putting on really amazing buttons.
I would keep the blazer. It has good lines and the style looks great on you. You can wear it with lights and darks. Very flexible and pretty!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the blazer! I am always on the lookout for the perfect blazer and this is it! I love the gold buttons with the coral. I live in Orlando, FL so I get not being able to wear it much, but when it's this cute, i'm sure you can find places to wear it!
ReplyDeleteKeep it, keep it, keep it! It's fantastic!!!! And a perfect shade for Florida. When I worked and lived in Florida, I always found the office was kept at a nippy 68 degrees so I wore blazers and cardigans a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm also loving the blazer I just recently got from Zara that you can see on my post today.
Niki
www.fashionatforty.blogspot.com
Keep it! I saw it at BR after you posted that you purchased it and it's even better in person. I think the color is amazing and it's the perfect jacket for dressy or casual, just like you've styled it.
ReplyDeleteBoth outfits are amazing! But, you're right, the weather in Florida (if you don't work in an AC'ed office) is probably not conducive to wearing it very much. I like the suggestion someone else had of buying the cheaper one and adding gold buttons.
ReplyDeletekeep it! Knowing you, a bright splash of color like this is more of an investment piece, with totally classic lines. Love the outfits!
ReplyDeleteit's your colour J!
ReplyDeleteI would totally keep that blazer. I think it was a good deal, I think the color is gorgeous on you, and it wasn't TOO much money that its a total splurge. I think the unexpected, happy color with the classic fit of the jacket will be useful, even in Florida! That's my 2 cents :)
ReplyDeleteColor, fit, and details are perfect! Definitely keep!
ReplyDeleteJ - Return the blazer. You have a gut reaction that this is not going to fit with your lifestyle, trust yourself! So many of us (myself included) have an overflowing closet in need of editing. Thanks for your excellent posts!
ReplyDeleteI would keep it. Wearing it with white is super chic, and you could also pair it with black, gray, beige, or any neutral color for that matter.
ReplyDeleteThe only way I would return it if it doesn't fit right in the shoulders and bust area. Blazers are supposed to fit like a glove, and if they don't, they won't look right.
LOVE!! What a gorgeous color on you! I adore blazers as well. This is definitely one that would last a long time but if you don't think you would wear it because of the weather then I'd say return it. I've kept SO many things that I thought I'd get use out of but then never wore. That said, I still think it's a keeper :)
ReplyDeletewww.rachaelkhawkins.blogspot.com
Keep!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great styled how you have it. I especially love the white pants outfit. IMO it is wearable through the earlier spring months here in FL or for a night/inside event.
You could also pair it with dressy shorts like you did the blue striped blazer here for something to wear on warmer days outfit: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/03/todays-everyday-fashion-style-icon.html
Definitely keep!
ReplyDeletelove it!!! keep it...or send it to me :)
ReplyDeleteThis blazer is a keeper!! Do not return. The cut looks great! The gold buttons are the topper!
ReplyDeleteKeep! Save it for work or business casual meetings.
ReplyDeleteKeep the blazer! It is so beautiful and it looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty - but a summery color you can't wear here in the summer, spring...or maybe even fall. Too hot. If it was cheaper, I might say yes =)
ReplyDeleteI definitely say keep it! That blazer is beautiful and one of my favorite colors too. I don't know what type of work you do but even though it's hot where I live, I work in a well air conditioned building so I always need a blazer or cardigan to wear over my summer clothes at work.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep it, especially with the many different color combinations you make. If you were someone who would only wear it over a solid, neutral dress or pants, I would say take it back, but I know you'll be able to make it work with so many things.
ReplyDeleteI think you should definitely keep it!! It looks so cute in the above photos- fresh and perfect for summer! I feel like even though you live in hot temps, you could always wear it and then take it off as it gets warmer- it's just too cute to let go!
ReplyDeleteKeep!! Definitely. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLovely blazer..!!
ReplyDeleteelegancestylized.blogspot.com
I say keep the blazer. Blazers are always in & the color looks great on you. Plus, it can be dressed up or down. Always keep versatile pieces.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com
I'd be in a conundrum too! Both of those outfits are gorgeous! I love the fit and color, but I totally see your problem. Blazers are always in style, but will bright bold coral be in style forever? It also kind of screams summer, but there is no way I could wear a blazer during a Florida summer. On my budget I'd take it back and then try to pick up a less expensive like the forever 21 option you listed. Sometimes their quality can be surprising!
ReplyDeleteI'll buy it from you for what you paid. Not even joking.If you think you can part with it, shoot me an email.
ReplyDeletekeep it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep it! It is a fabulous color that I think you will love for a long time. Love the two outfits. Can't wait to see how else you will style it.
ReplyDeletelove it! keep it!
ReplyDeletefitfashlife.blogspot.com
Please keep this blazer!!! It is gorgeous! The gold button detailing is awesome and since you live in Florida, during the cooler months, which I used to live there, you can get away with wearing it!!! And, in Florida coral color never will go out of style! So, keep it J! It is such a great deal and Banana's clothing are such good quality! xx
ReplyDeletePip
http://chicstayathome.blogspot.com
http://lucianobybethaddis.blogspot.com
I absolutely love everything about this outfit!!! Definitely keep it :)
ReplyDeleteI like the blazer and think it looks great on you but I would return it and opt for something more similar to the forever 21 one that you highlight. I have a coral blazer that I got from Charlotte Russe and I love it because I feel it's casual and light enough to wear as an everyday outfit with jeans but it's also formal enough that I wear it to work. I feel like that Banana one you bought but A. it looks really warm and for Florida that is probably not a positive attribute and B. the gold buttons (especially the ones on the sleeves) make it look really formal/professional.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Keep it!
ReplyDeleteIt looks really pretty on you, so I say keep!
ReplyDeleteI would never think to buy a coral blazer, but looking at how you styled it, I may need to run out and get one right now...along with white jeans or a white skirt. ;)
ReplyDeleteI live on an island off Sarasota, FL and LIVE in blazers!! With a tank and shorts I think they are perfect from errands to the yacht club! Keep it! The color rocks on you!
ReplyDeleteCoral is my favorite color, so I am a bit bias. But I think you should keep it :) it's such a fun pop of color!
ReplyDeletekelsiesbeautifullife.blogspot.com
oh gosh, i really am loving these bright blazers. you are just gorgeous girl!!
ReplyDeletexo TJ
Beautiful color! I love the blazer with the white pants/skirt. Keep it!
ReplyDeleteI am laughing at your conundrum, as yesterday I kept telling my son that rearranging the decor on my plant shelves was giving me "conundrum". So does that fake plant look better on that shelf or the other shelf? Should J keep the coral blazer? Yes, yes, yes!! Having lived in Orlando for 16 years, blazers were my go to clothing item. In the winter blazers were my coats and in the summer they kept me warm in freezing cold refrigerated buildings. I still have a classic navy blue shawl collared worsted wool Charter Club blazer that has to be 16 years or older and I still wear it and I paid about the same price as yours.
ReplyDeleteKEEP IT!!!!! AND IF YOU DECIDE TO RETURN IT, LET ME BUY IT OFF YOU! Gorgeous! PS- How do you get the 50% promo?!
ReplyDeleteyou have such great style! wow, I cant believe how great you look in these clothes ! amazing...
ReplyDeletehttp://fashioncherry.co/fashion-fragrance-by-eva-longoria/
Both outfits are cute! I think you should keep it; you might be able to get more use out of it then you think. It would be a cute plane look when you go on vacation and maybe someday you won't live in FL.
ReplyDeleteI ADORE both these looks and the skinny jean combo is my new inspiration outfit! My first reaction was of course you should keep it, besides $69 isn't an investment piece but then again I'm from Canada and $69 buys absolutely nothing here:( So envious of your clothing prices. It does look stunning on you though.
ReplyDeleteI like it and think it looks great on you (what doesn't?) but I'm also a firm believer that if you don't feel 100% about something, it's probably your mind and heart's way of telling you to take it back...
ReplyDeleteKeep! It looks great and it has classic styling to it.
ReplyDeleteI really like it! I think it would be great for Sunday brunch, church, or the workplace. Most places will be air-conditioned, so even if it's hot outside, you could bring the blazer and put it on indoors. Also maybe it'd be perfect for your fall weather? The color looks great on you. I would keep it!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely keep it. It could be good for a spring night out if it's a little cool or for a work outfit. This would also be great in the fall. I'm picturing it with turquoise accents.
ReplyDeleteKEEP!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, you have to keep it! What about wearing it in the evening? That way you can justify it in Florida :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to tell you I pinned this on my petite preppy fashion Pinterest board and it got 75 repins in just a few hours!
ReplyDeleteOMG! Keep it! This is a truly beautiful color on you. It complements your skin tone so well. You look positively radiant in this bright shade of coral. I think a more muted coral wouldn't look as good on you as this one (not to say it would look bad...you know what I mean). Coral goes with so many other colors, like navy, white, cream, turquoise, royal blue, camel, certain greys, and with all the colorblocking going on right now, the sky is the limit!
ReplyDeleteThis blazer is great! Plus you didn't OVER invest in it - getting it 50% off. I bet you'll find more chances to wear it than you think!
ReplyDeletework-it-blog.blogspot.com
So cool Kathleen, thank you!
ReplyDeleteLOL thank you Danae!
ReplyDeleteYes, it definitely gets chilly at night, but I already have a neon pink blazer and a red blazer so still not sure that's not too many blazers! :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL thank you Katie! Banana did a promotion over the weekend (about 3 weeks ago, I believe) that was 5 full-priced items 50% off, and that's when I bought the blazer!
ReplyDeleteOh cute! I just love that word, too. "Conundrum." :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree about having a closet in need of editing, and I think I'm at that point right now! You made me think that if I get rid of some other items and sell them, I would be happy to keep the blazer with the money I earn from that. Thanks for helping me look at it in a new way. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindie, my speaking engagement went great! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on that! I love blazers too but it's sort of silly in Hawaii =(
ReplyDeleteBut it looks super awesome on you! I say try it at night on those cold outdoor dinning events or parties. Never hurts to pair with a black dress and heels!
I never post but I think you should totally keep it! The color looks beautiful on you and it looks like you can dress it up or down.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Callie! Everyone has been so helpful with their feedback, I appreciate it. :-)
ReplyDeleteSee, now I feel the opposite! Living in Florida, I think blazers are the perfect piece as they take the place of winter coats and are great when dining out in air conditioning. $69 is cheap, keep it!
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point - blazers definitely double as winter coats in Florida! :-)
ReplyDeleteKEEP IT!!! so in love! maybe try it over a shift dress or simple tank dress too... but i love both of your outfit options!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep it, it looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteKEEP!!! (Im a little slow with this comment lol)
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to not keep it, I will most definitely swap or buy it!!! :)
My swapping items are on swap.com! I have a Tahari crushed velvet blazer that can swap or the many other things listed :)