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.
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| 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.
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 🙂
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 🙁
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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
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
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….
Hi! Thanks for your emails. Glad that they were back in stock and you were able to order one directly from Uniqueen 🙂
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!
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!
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
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 🙂
love Wendy from Lookbook! I saw that jacket and Zara and was debating! love from San Francisco,Britt+Whit
Wendy makes everything look amazing doesn't she? Love your blog – you 2 are so gorgeous!
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.
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.
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.
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 🙂
I love it! I'd buy it from you!