January 13, 2013

Style Essentials- Little Navy Blazer



The Row Blazer, Carven Shirt, J. Crew Trousers and Miu Miu Shoes

"She prefers the richness of all kinds of (French) navy to the ubiquitous black." - Bali Barret's 5 Ways to Spot a Proper Parisienne in Issue Five of The Gentlewoman

Hope you all had a lovely holiday season. Happy New Year!


As promised, I thought I would share one of my autumn purchases- my lovely blazer from The Row. Blazers/little jackets are among my favorite wardrobe essentials and instantly make an outfit look smart and polished. Year-round, I’m rarely without a blazer or little jacket. 

It’s undeniable that I have a well-defined sense of style and identity, but I enjoy making subtle tweaks. We all know how much I adore navy and for some time I’ve wanted to add a navy blazer to my wardrobe. As autumn items were making their way into the shops, I spotted this blazer and knew it had to be mine.

I love when you find that item that ticks off all the boxes. Especially, when you’ve been keeping an eye out for that item for some time. In this case, I was looking for the following in a navy blazer.


  • Color- A rich navy that would pair well with black, grey and burgundy. Finding a luxurious navy that is not faded can be harder than it seems. 

  • Construction- The seams and emphasis on tailoring are reminiscent of early Armani or the good old days of Helmut Lang. I’m a fashion nerd if ever there was one and yes, the construction is that good. The stitching is really beautifully done and elevates the blazer. Inside and out everything is meticulously considered.

  • Fabric- Quality of materials- the touch and feel is important to me. I love nothing more than a simple item with a touch of indulgence. A 100% silk full lining and a luxurious silk blend shell give this blazer its languid drape. 

  • Fit- I could devote a series of posts to fit and tailoring. I have to alter a lot of my clothing. I have narrow shoulders and having the shoulders taken in is a costly alteration that requires skill. To take in the shoulders, the sleeves are detached at the shoulder, the shoulders are cut, the armholes adjusted and lastly the sleeves are reattached. A good fit at the shoulders is paramount for me and sealed the deal with this blazer. Having the sides and sleeves slimmed to accommodate my frame are standard alterations for me. In this case, I had the sleeves slimmed over the course of two fittings. I have long arms, so I’m keen on having adequate sleeve length. I also look for blazers that have subtle draping at the back. I love menswear, but my frame sometimes needs very subtle darting. 

  • Silhouette- A minimalist silhouette that could be paired with everything in my wardrobe. I was looking for an unassuming piece whose beauty lies in the precision of the cut. I love experimenting with proportion and silhouettes, but I wanted something light and airy.

I’ve long admired The Row’s sophisticated luxe aesthetic. It’s always refreshing to come across a collection with a unique voice. The Row does basics, albeit very expensive basics that you can envision having forever. There’s a quiet authenticity to the brand’s designs that I adore. This little blazer has quickly become an essential. 

48 comments:

  1. Your blazer is so luxurious and so very beautiful. Finding a fitting blazer can be quite hard when you have an exact idea in mind of what you want! And I do agree that the colour is a realiable classic - when in doubt, go with navy.

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    1. Florina- Thank you! I love a touch of beauty for the everyday.You're so right, it's so hard to find what you're looking for once you have an exact image of what you want. I always get stuck on something that I've designed in my mind.

      Navy is such a classic and so versatile.

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  2. What a wonderfully understated and chic outfit Lindsay and the blazer does indeed fit you like a dream now - I have it as standard just to take some sleeves up but you are practically being fitted for a new jacket! But I understand how it feels to have the perfect fit. Looking at the styling - I can totally understand about the whole Armani cut - it is very reminiscent. I think you have achieved what you set out to do - create an outfit which makes a statement ... quietly but forcefully. Lovely.

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    1. Sue- Thanks Sue! "Understated and chic" I love the way you put it. Taking up the sleeves is such an easy way to elevate a blazer. In this case, The Row's fit works very well for me, so I didn't have to do too much in the way of my normal alterations, which was really nice.

      There's something very vintage Armani about their cuts and I love that it's just as gorgeous on the inside as well. I think you're right, there's something really nice about a quiet piece.

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  3. This is a lovely blazer indeed. I also find it difficult to find basics that meet all of my requirements in terms of fabric, cut and colour, so I can imagine how great it is when you stumble upon one.

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    1. Kali- Thanks Kali! It's so difficult to find basics that meet all the requirements. It makes it really worth the wait. I've really learned not to settle.

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  4. That navy blazer is beautiful, I'm not sure if it would get much wear if it were hanging in my closet though. I have a black one which I love though. And I completely agree with you about the fit. I have to get almost everything altered but it makes all the difference. You could buy a pair of pants that cost $20 but if it fits well or if you have it fitted, it can look like a piece that you paid $200 for!

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    1. Vanisha @ Vanishas Life In...Australia- Hi Vanisha! I find navy to be just as versatile as black. I wear both neutrals interchangeably. That being said, I do love a beautiful black blazer. I have a wardrobe of little black jackets and blazers too. They just work for my lifestyle.

      It's so true about fit. It can be time consuming but it really pays off for me.

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  5. Just gorgeous. I love the whole outfit - such an elegant, professional look. Makes me wish it were warm enough in Delhi to walk around without socks/tights! Never mind, I am enjoying my Carven coat in the meantime...I try to be particularly careful while shopping for jackets and coats and after a few years of shopping intelligently, I finally have a jacket wardrobe I adore.

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    1. Ammu- Hi Ammu! Thank you! Elegant and professional is something I always strive for.

      Yes, walking around without socks, tights or gloves was fleeting:) It's going back to cold.

      I love coats and I still dream of your Carven coat- it's just gorgeous. It pops up from time, but never in my size...

      I know what you mean- there's so many subtle details to pay attention to when shopping for jackets and coats. I love my jacket wardrobe too. Right now I'm loving evening jackets.

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  6. WOW. You look completely stunning! The Row is such a great brand, everything looks so luxurious yet so simple. Too bad the clothes are still way too expensive for me even on sale. And happy new year to you, Lindsay! I'm coming to NYC in just a month, so keep an eye on your inbox!

    x

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    1. Fleurette- Hi Fleurette! Happy New Year! Thank you! You're so sweet.

      Yes, I'm continually impressed by The Row. The quality is really superb and the brand appeals to the true aesthete in me. You're so right about the price- cashmere sweaters with a ridiculous ply and T shirts with french seams is costly.

      Hope 2013 is off to a good start for you. Yes, do keep me in the loop on your NYC trip and do let me know if you need anything. So excited for you!

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  7. Hello Lindsay, oh you look so elegant in that jacket! Love how it matches with the collar of the Carven shirt. Honestly, if you didn't tell me about the narrow shoulders and long arms, who would have noticed? That was a lot of work done on the jacket and I have to commend your tailor for doing a suberb job, it fits you to a T!

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    1. Eileen- Hi Eileen! Thank you! That's such a sweet compliment.

      I love that Carven shirt. The dove grey color, tissue weight and collar caught my eye.

      It's amazing what a good fit can do.

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  8. That is such a gorgeous jacket, Lindsay! The fit really is perfect. I have never seen a garment by The Row up close, but from the sound of things they can be pretty spectacular :)

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    1. Maja H- Thanks Maja! Yes, I love the fit too. Their garments are simply impeccable. I appreciate that every little detail is methodically considered- too often there' that one little thing that isn't quite right.

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  9. I absolutely love how you styled it here, with the Carven shirt and those great pants. I do love a good blazer. I wish I could find a winter jacket that I could fit a jacket underneath without being too bulky, then I could extend the season for my little jackets/blazers.

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    1. koko // res pulchrae- Thanks Koko! A good blazer is such a smart look! I think it's hard not to rely on them in this city:)

      It's so true about finding winter jackets that you can fit a jacket underneath. I'm such a coat girl! I have a few that I can layer a jacket under without adding bulk, they're such good finds.

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  10. Lindsay, I love how you've styled the blazer here. It's polished and very sophisticated. I have been looking for the perfect navy AND black jacket for 5 years now. Obviously, I haven't looked hard enough but as you've mentioned here, the fit and construction matter to me. I've got narrow shoulders and boobs - both of which do not go well with most clothes out there in the market place. Since I'm so short, I like the fit to be just right with sleeves that don't hang past my wrist (ridiculously difficult to find). I'm with you about alterations. It costs me a fortune to alter my clothes and I don't trust the tailors in my area.

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    1. Chocolate Cookies & Candies- Hi Marlene! Polished and sophisticated is exactly it- always:) It's so worth the search because you just get so much mileage out of blazers, coats and jackets. I do find that they have to fit perfectly though.

      I know exactly what you mean about fit. My measurements and frame are just sized out of even the smallest sizes. But making smart alterations does wonders. That's frustrating that you can't trust tailors in your area. Taking up the sleeves is such a simple alteration that anyone who calls themselves a tailor should be able to do. How disappointing. What makes me nervous is narrowing the shoulders- so tricky and costly.

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  11. I have to say that blazer is absolutely perfect, such a gorgeous and flattering fit so go figure, of course it's from The Row. Money well spent if you ask me! Loving the entire outfit.

    My favourite and most worn blazer is a black one I spent a fair amount on from Helmut Lang. It falls beautifully and has slightly peaked shoulders which adds to the allure, and is probably the first time I realised the importance of a well fitting blazer. Haven't had any altered yet.. but definitely good to keep in mind :)

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    1. jamie-lee- Thanks Jamie-Lee! I think so too! It's everything that I love in one garment. And one that I will get a lot of wear out of.

      Your black blazer sounds lovely. I love when a blazer drapes and falls beautifully. I also love peaked shoulders- it draws attention away from my pointy shoulders. You're so right, you simply can't go wrong with Helmut Lang. It's refreshing when a designer is reliable.

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  12. blazers just don't work for my lifestyle, but if they did, a navy one is definitely on the list. you look terrific in yours, and your trousers caught my eye as well, i like the cut and fit! (goes without saying i love the shirt.)

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    1. lin- Thanks Lin! And yes, it's such a matter of lifestyle.

      The trousers were such a good find. I had them altered substantially in the waist, for the perfect fit.

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  13. I would love a piece from The Row, they do the most perfect basics! Just a question about the shirt, I have the same one and I am wondering how you plan to wash yours. I know it says dry clean only and I have dry cleaned mine once, but do you think a cold hand wash would be fine? This is usually how I wash my cotton shirts.

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    1. Alex- Yes, there's a lot of thought put into everything facet of The Row's designs. I'm not a girl who could ever just rely on basics, so they really have to be superb.

      I've only worn my shirt once for a few hours, so I haven't laundered it yet. I was planning to dry clean it though because of the way the fabric was spun. I do prefer to hand wash when I can and there was a wonderful article in Vogue recently about all those brands that put dry clean only labels on things like T shirts when they can be washed by hand. When I do hand wash delicate fabrics I use the Laundress products- you can hand wash just about anything with them.

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  14. You look amazing, I love how you've styled the blazer, it's quiet and chic. I've had my eye on The Row for years now. I love everything that they embody and the exquisite amount of detailing given to each piece. If only they weren't so out of my price range. But I guess with all things, you get what you pay for. I'm really loving the slight peplum on your blazer and that navy is really quite unique.

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

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    1. Jenee C.- Thanks Jenee C.- that's so sweet of you! I love how quiet it is too. I think good design should be in the subtleties... I know what you mean about the prices. You're so right about the hint of the peplum.

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  15. It looks beautiful. Perfect cut and fit and good choice getting it in navy, just as versatile and much more uplifting than black. Love your Carven shirt too!

    http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Alexandra- Thanks Alexandra! You're a sweetheart. You're so right about navy being uplifting. Especially during the cold, grey days. I'm really happy that I ended up getting the Carven shirt too.

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  16. WOW! Just wow! Gorgeous girl, stunning clothing as always and smarts. Trifecta! I read through your archive this AM and when you post an outfit, so often readers responses were WOW! You certainly know how to bring it! This jacket is gorgeous.

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  17. you look fantastic. i hope to buy more of the row's things in the future! the blazer looks wonderful.

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    1. Joy- Thanks Joy! It definitely feels like a good choice.

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  18. You look great. So classic and luxe, and I love the silhouette. Fit really does make all the difference. I've developed a close relationship with my tailor as well—my only complaint is that he is never on schedule!

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    1. Rachel- Hi Rachel! Thank you! There's something really special about a classic piece done up in luxe fabrics. Even more so, when it's just so easy to wear:)

      I'm so glad to hear that you have found a really good tailor too. That's frustrating about the scheduling. Hopefully it's worth the wait. I really had no scheduling requirements so I encouraged them to take their time. They're used to doing a lot of restoration work & working with designers on collections- so I think they were relieved to have something that wasn't needed ASAP.

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  19. you look stunning - i love love love how you styled this entire look. and as for the Row, i've been keeping a wishlist, in fact, filed away under fantasy splurges. :) this reminds me that i have a few items that are overdue for a tailoring session. there are a few items that are beyond the ken of my trusty drycleaner...taking in the shoulder being one of them!

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    1. miss sophie- Hi miss sophie! Thank you, that's so incredibly sweet and kind of you:) The Row definitely makes decadent fantasy splurges. There's just so much to love and it's so timeless. You simply can't go wrong with anything.

      Such a good point about tailoring. Everyone has limitations, so sometimes you have to find the right person for the job.

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  20. What a beautiful navy blazer! I love reading your personal style posts because you are so meticulous and eloquent. It's very helpful to read your requirements for the perfect blazer, and you definitely found it! Kudos to your tailor also - it's difficult to find a good one!

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    1. Samantha- Hi Samantha! Thank you. Your comment made my day. I love writing about style and fashion, but always hope that it's helpful for others. I think that's the greatest compliment ever.

      Meticulous is exactly it, but sometimes I just have to stop over thinking things.

      I've really come to appreciate the art of tailoring. I just love how tailors take such pride in their work.

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  21. This is such a simple, classic outfit. Love it :)
    Lucia
    http://luciasloves.blogspot.co.uk
    x

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    1. Lucia Y- Hi Lucia Y! It's always nice to see a new face comment on the site.

      Thank you for the lovely compliment. I feel like when everything is so perfectly appropriated- simple and classic work so well.

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  22. Totally agree blazers can do wonders to an outfit. :)
    You are such a classic dresser!

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    1. Melody- Hi! Hope you are doing well! Don't blazers just make any outfit look smarter?!

      Yes, I do like my classics with a twist here or there:)

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  23. Hi, I always think that a classic jacket needs a fabulous construction and a good tailoring for standing out. Good material and a perfect shape, for daily elegance. I think this is the idea of "made in Italy clothes". If you want you can go and check this Italian Brand michelenegri.com, there are some good blazers for woman http://www.michelenegri.com/en/shop/woman/4/clothing/18/jackets/

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  24. I like the subtle peplum back on the structured blazer! Such a great detail and that color is such a pretty shade of blue.

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