Chanel-inspired Jacket: UNIQUEEN’s Malang Jacket

Had you ever pictured yourself wearing a look – and found out that it didn’t suit you in reality?

This happened to me recently with the tweed jacket trend. I’ve always had problems wearing jackets/blazers/anything with shoulder pads – being a child of the 80s, I have a horror of anything that makes your shoulders look bigger. However – I couldn’t resist the look of the Chanel tweed jacket – I love how pairing it with jeans brings structure and style to a casual look:

There have been several affordable interpretations of the Chanel tweed jacket at stores like Zara, H&M and Forever 21. One version that’s been spotted on several fashion bloggers is the UNIQUEEN Malang Jacket (sold online over here – although my one is no longer in stock). I believe the jacket was sent by UNIQUEEN to some of the bloggers, while others purchased their own (full details are on their blogs).

Jean from Extra Petite:

Wendy from Wendy’s Lookbook:

TIffany from I am Style-ish:

I had the UNIQUEEN jacket in my online shopping cart for MONTHS while I deliberated over whether I should purchase it or not. It was nerve-racking purchasing something sight unseen from a shop with limited return options. I finally gave in and purchased the jacket…and I’m still not sure if I’m happy or not.

Left – original version, Right – with my modifications

CONS:
-I don’t like how the jacket looks on me when the top lies flat – I prefer it folded back into faux-lapels
-there are no buttons/fastenings – it just hangs open – which makes it look boxy
-the lining is WARM – it’s thick enough to be outerwear in spring or fall
-I’m not sure if it is the right size for me (seems short on the sleeves but big through the shoulders)

I don’t think I can return this item – so I’m going to modify the jacket to make it wearable. The fixes should be simple enough to do  myself:
– sew hook-and-eye fastenings so that I can close the jacket
–  press and sew the top into faux lapels

This is probably not the wisest purchase I’ve made – but I still have a soft spot for this jacket and hope I can get some good wear out of it.

Have you ever purchased a longed-for item and realized that it didn’t suit you?

EDIT:  I returned the Malang jacket to Uniqueen and am still looking for the perfect fitted tweed jacket. Love the design of this one.

27 Comments

  1. Beautygirl24
    February 22, 2012 / 10:42 pm

    I think you look amazing in it! I too have thought about purchasing one, but always fear buying clothes online. I think the alterations you are planning will make it even better. But I really do love it 🙂

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 23, 2012 / 1:07 am

      Noelle – I'm still so torn about this jacket – I like how it looks SOMETIMES, but only when it lies a certain way – and I'm worried that it might be fussy rather than versatile 🙁

  2. Katherine
    February 23, 2012 / 12:38 am

    It's definitely happened to me, but honestly I think this jacket looks great on you – how about wearing it over a little white dress? And BTW you are gorgeous!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 23, 2012 / 1:11 am

      Katherine – Thanks – you're so sweet! Your black Chanel jacket is perfection – it's such an AMAZING piece.This UNIQUEEN jacket is really well-made and I love the color – but I don't know if I should hold out for a tweed jacket with a collar and buttons…if it exists on the high street!

  3. Schnelle
    February 23, 2012 / 1:55 am

    I think it looks really pretty on you. I personally like it better when worn open. Definitely keep it, it's a great staple to have.

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 23, 2012 / 3:21 am

      Thanks Schnelle – I keep wavering back and forth…part of me says be adventurous – the other part worries that the jacket will just sit unworn in my closet.

  4. Skylette from Sequins&Stilettos
    February 23, 2012 / 2:56 am

    I really like it, but if you feel like it's NOT you, then sell it on ebay… just a suggestion. 🙂 I do think that a hook and eye closure will help though! Good luck!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 23, 2012 / 3:23 am

      Thanks Skylette – I think there's a chance I could return it to the store – their policy is within 5 days of receiving it and in unworn condition (which I guess shouldn't include trying it on at home?) – but I worry that if I return it, I'll miss it! What a dilemna LOL!

  5. Tali
    February 24, 2012 / 5:12 pm

    Great choice and I like the cutomizations you made to make it your own!! Wear it for a while and if you still have doubts you can always blogsale/ebay it! xxx

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 24, 2012 / 9:21 pm

      Thanks Tali! I've been in touch with the store – and they're totally fine with a return (I thought it would be complicated because the items ship from S.Korea). I'm going to REALLY think about whether I would wear this jacket or not (as I mentioned – it's REALLY warm – more like outerwear). The store has other cute non-lined jackets that I MAY exchange this for …I just wish they had a store I could go to in person and try things on LOL!

  6. rjs
    February 25, 2012 / 12:46 am

    I would sit down and think of at least 3-5 outfits you could wear with this jacket. If you can do that, then you should keep it. I personally think it looks great on you. I'm still sceptical about the sizing. If it came in XS, I'd be the first to buy it. KEEP IT!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 29, 2012 / 4:03 pm

      Uniqueen have told me they're working on an XS size – hope you can get one soon :-)Love the idea of coming up with 3-5 outfits to wear with this jacket…to be honest – I don't think I'd get that much wear out of it.

  7. Sammie
    February 25, 2012 / 10:33 am

    i think you should keep it,it looks good on you 🙂 maybe when your modifications are done you will really start to like it :)sammiefromfashionbarbecue.com

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 29, 2012 / 4:04 pm

      Thanks Sammie – I'm going to keep looking at the Uniqueen website – hoping that they come out with a button version of the tweed jacket

  8. Anonymous
    February 25, 2012 / 11:14 am

    PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T RETURN IT! SELL IT TO ME!! I've been looking for this jacket EVERYWHERE since they sold out and I want it desperately! I will pay you full price plus more if you want :)!! Please let me buy it off you!! I will email you also….

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 29, 2012 / 4:05 pm

      Hi! Thanks for your emails. Glad that they were back in stock and you were able to order one directly from Uniqueen 🙂

  9. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)
    February 27, 2012 / 7:16 pm

    I actually think it looks great on you but I can understand buyer's remorse when it's not perfect 😛 Looks like you have a buyer in the comment above LOL! Perhaps you want to sell it if you don't love it!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 29, 2012 / 4:05 pm

      Thanks Elaine – luckily Uniqueen have authorised a return, so I'm going to mail it back to them. Wish they had a Toronto showroom for us to go try on all their fabulous items!

  10. Anonymous
    February 29, 2012 / 3:18 pm

    I've always debated about purchasing a tweed style CHANEL-esque jacket as I have a small frame and whenever I've tried one on it always looked boxy on me 🙁 I seriuosly love the way Kate Moss is wearing it, definitely more my style. I'm impressed with the adjustments you made, much better look 🙂 x

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      February 29, 2012 / 4:07 pm

      Parveen – the Kate Moss jacket is my ultimate favorite – I'm on the lookout for a similar version. Thanks for following my blog – I LOVE yours and have started following it as well 🙂

  11. Britt+Whit
    March 1, 2012 / 8:31 pm

    love Wendy from Lookbook! I saw that jacket and Zara and was debating! love from San Francisco,Britt+Whit

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      March 3, 2012 / 5:14 am

      Wendy makes everything look amazing doesn't she? Love your blog – you 2 are so gorgeous!

  12. Tina
    March 2, 2012 / 10:54 pm

    I'm still debating about getting that jacket since the price is higher than what I'd normally spend on a jacket and also their return policy like you mentioned. Can I ask what size you got? I don't wanna end up getting the wrong size if I do get it.

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      March 3, 2012 / 5:13 am

      I got a Small. I'm 5'4 and 108lbs. I found the shoulders a bit big on me, but the sleeves were slightly short – and would be tight over a sweater (but fine with a t-shirt or cami).Their customer service is very helpful – I thought their return policy would be complicated, but it's not – and I'm currently in the process of returning this jacket.

  13. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    March 10, 2012 / 9:53 pm

    I actually think the jacket looks amazing on you. You wear it well with or without the faux lapels. I was very fortunate to nab a number of Chanel jackets for ridiculously low prices. I also purchased an Isabel Marant jacket which is similar to the black Chanel worn by Kate Moss pictured above. The tweed jacket will always remain a classic so you definitely can't go wrong with one.

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      March 11, 2012 / 12:09 am

      Wow – sounds like you have some gorgeous tweed pieces! I'm glad that the tweed jacket is a classic – hopefully I'll find the perfect one at the perfect price 🙂

  14. Jason Lee
    April 1, 2013 / 2:31 am

    I love it! I'd buy it from you!

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