September 20, 2012

So, the moment you've all been waiting for. Well, maybe you haven't been waiting for it, but I'VE been waiting for it!

The intrepid Merwoman plunged into the sea of suburban shoppers at the Eaton Centre and brought back the spoils! And so, herewith, for your estimable judgement, the Zara moto.

A note on style: I haven't.

I'm showing it first with a white T, just so you can see the details. Then with the taupe sweater because it was the closest mid-tone thing I had to hand, and I thought it might make sense to look at it that way, although I see it's not great because you can see my white T through it...oh well. And finally with the BF and a shirt that I was trying on for my other thread.

Which brings me to my next question: How DOES one style a moto? What do you wear under it? A shirt collar seems to fight it badly. What necklines work?

My observations: the leather is not as fine a quality as on the Danier jackets, BUT (and this is huge) it feels light enough that I could consider wearing it indoors in a not-too-hot place. It layers under my coat (sorry, no pic, but it does work).

Would love your thoughts on the fit and if it seems like me.

It is snug but comfortable. In the pics it looks tight across the back, but in fact I can move my arms very comfortably without any of that too-tight-in-the-shoulders strain one gets from ill-fitting jackets.

My main concern, for what that is worth: Sleeves too long for indoor wear. In some of the pics I am trying to scrunch the sleeves (but can't get them to stay very well). In others, I have turned them under, or turned them under and then scrunched (they stay a bit better that way, but maybe it looks weird.) I assume a sleeve alteration would be very costly. Too-long sleeves are a perennial problem of mine with non-petities shirts and jackets, although usually European sizes are better for me on this, and I don't mind the length of these for outdoor wear.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Posted in the Dressing category

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72 Comments

catgirl replied 11 years ago

I'm totally in love with it. Have to step away a moment to formulate more objective thoughts.
Thistle replied 11 years ago

I really, really like it on you! I understand about the sleeves, and can see it in the pictures.

I am not a seamstress, so I am not sure how difficult it would be to alter. I guess it would depend on leather and the zippers at the wrist.

Still, the rest of it is perfect.

Do you have a seamstress you trust? Could she give you a quote?
Sylvie replied 11 years ago

All hail the wisdom of Angie. This looks SO much better on you than any other jacket you've tried yet. Unfortunate about the sleeve length though. :(
catgirl replied 11 years ago

Coming back to breathe... :)

Does it make you feel like the "you" you want to be? It makes ME want to be you, if that helps! :) If so, anything else is fixable IMHO, and I don't mind the sleeve length. I had my Allsaints jacket sleeves altered but there were no zippers.
krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

One word: Perfect. Ridiculously perfect! Moto jackets are made for you. This one is sublime, the fit is right on, and arms are supposed to be a bit long like that. You'll see you'll get lots of wear from it. The short crop gives great proportions. Wear a longer top untucked underneath.
Mochi replied 11 years ago

As is typical of me, I really love it unzipped. It fits great. I understand too well about the sleeve length problem. You would lose zipper detail if you were to have it altered, and scrunching likely doesn't work with leather.

I think it's brilliantly styled with the scarf. All the looks are great, though.
Makrame replied 11 years ago

So, first things first - it looks great (and I am not bothered by the sleeve length). I think the cropped length is great for you and the fit is great.

Second - I am trying to remember if that was the type of look you were going for. It is a great moto jacket but for some reason I thought you were looking for something slightly different - arty? dramatic? I vaguely recall that the red Danier jacket had sort of lush and arty vibe to it whereas this moto reads as edgy and "rocker-chic".
Mochi replied 11 years ago

Oh, went back and took a closer look at the sleeves. They don't look overlong to me (my untrained eye?). My sleeves habitually go down past the first knuckle. :( You could live with that, no?
K. Period. replied 11 years ago

Oooooo that is gorgeous on you! I love the cropped length. I love how "bustin' out Suz" it is. A little rough. A little wild. Totally reflects the super fun side of your personality. Does it feel "you taking a step forward"?
annagybe replied 11 years ago

It looks great. I've always liked longer sleeves though.
cinnamon fern replied 11 years ago

The cropped length is fabulous. I like the super-shiny hardware and I think the color looks really good on you - I think the slight sheen helps a lot. The fit looks fantastic unzipped and good zipped (fantastic zipped form the front, okay from the back) and anyway how often will you be wearing it zipped? BUT, the sleeve length does bother me. I feel like too-long sleeves look worse if you're small, just like too-short sleeves look worse on tall people.

I give it an 8. 9 if you are willing to shorten the sleeves.
merwoman replied 11 years ago

Oh I have been waiting for this...and you in this jacket are beyond my expectations.
With the outfits that you are wearing - I love it best unzipped and with cream T and stripped shirt. Not digging the taupe topper - but as you say maybe that's because you have the white t shirt underneath.
When it's zipped, I think you have to be careful of the hemline of top you are wearing. Maybe curved is better? I'd be curious to see what the back view of 12-14 looks like with jacket zipped. Also would love to see it with the black banded top and cobalt blue skirt - I think that would look smashing.
Ginkgo replied 11 years ago

Oh wow --Instant like! And it definitely gives you that edgy, urban vibe. Kingston, look out!
Laura replied 11 years ago

Hey Suz, What an incredible jacket, and it is absolutely killer with the bf jeans and black boots -- but for me the sleeve length might be a deal killer. Too bad the sleeves have zippers!!

Everywhere else the fit is incredible, but the sleeves look substantially too long in the first photos -- not like a little amount that you could work on scrunching. Are the sleeves as long as they look?

I guess you are the only one who knows if the sleeves are scrunchable, and you could try unzipping them and playing around.
merwoman replied 11 years ago

Oops forgot to comment on sleeve length.
Darn it all - have just googled how to stretch your arms...and it doesn't look good Suz!What about rolling the sleeve to the outside - like a cuff? Maybe even try unzipping it a bit and then rolling?
replied 11 years ago

Yes we HAVE all been waiting for this Suz! It's Biker Suz and I love it! I looks exactly like I had it pictured on you in my mind. I think it hits just the right note for what you do and the vibe you're trying to convey. Imagine this with your floral knit winter dress. This jacket would beat any *twee* right out of it, lol!

The sleeve length wouldn't bother me at all. I'd unzip about an inch and flip to the outside, like Merwoman just suggested. As for BB shirts, how about buttoning them all the way up? Your picture #7 with the leopard scarf is perfect. The black is softened quite a lot and I don't think it looks harsh on you at all. I just hope you love it and feel like yourself in it (as much as I love it and think it's *you*).
Ariadne replied 11 years ago

I noticed the sleeve length, too. Otherwise it looks amazing. Is it the style you're going for? It feels more tough than the outfits I've seen of yours, but if you're looking to add that element in to your style, then this would be perfect. It's gorgeous fits you so well--wow, your waist is tiny! (I'm hoping to hit Zara tonight as part of my moto jacket hunt and will have to check this out for myself...!)
Suz replied 11 years ago

Thank you so much, all -

wonderful thoughts & impressions.

The sleeves really *are* as long as they look, alas. And scrunching works only temporarily, although it works a bit better if I turn the sleeve under first and then scrunch. Opening the zipper makes the sleeves wider (DUH!) and it is not made so you can just turn back the cuffs (as in the Danier jackets); instead, you see lining and interfere with the zip detail.

And CF, Laura - I hear you on this. I am super sensitive about too-long sleeves, too. I think it must be an occupational hazard of the shorter among us!

Mochi, on an OUTDOOR jacket/ winter overcoat, I happily live with sleeves that go to this point. For for an indoor or light jacket, sleeves this long interfere with...well...life! I'm a huge sleeve scruncher and roller and always have been, not because I want to be "fashionable" but because back in the day when I had no money and there were no petites clothes, I could NEVER get sleeves the right length. Never. And then I started recognizing that the scrunch or roll was actually flattering to my overall proportions and did it for that reason, too. ;-)

So if there were a way to make these stay scrunched, I'd be satisfied with that. OR, if my seamstress (and I do have a good one) can do an alteration for not too much, it might be worth a try. It could be hard to match the hardware, though. But it wouldn't hurt to ask.

And...the main thing: can we all just observe a moment of silence about Angie's impeccable taste and skill? The woman has never even MET me in person. Yes, she has seen pictures, but we all know how confusing pictures can be. How could she instantly know the cut and overall fit would be so good?

I did see right away (I mean before even calling Zara) how a moto style collar is better for me. So I get that part. But, still. SHEESH!

Angie, we bow down.

And thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule just now to call out on this one.
replied 11 years ago

:)

Maybe there's a way to take out a section of the sleeve *above* the zipper and make it just look like a design detail.
rachylou replied 11 years ago

It is a great, GREAT fit! YOU look FANTASTIC.

And I absolutely hate it on you. Ya. It's totally jarring to me and my perception of you. I think of you as being on the fine art side of avant garde, not the street side.

But I suspect I can get over that.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Ah...Claire...that is smart. It would be costly, I suspect...because the thing is lined...but it could just be an elbow seam and you'd never even notice it. Especially since I scrunch my sleeves. HA!

Rachy - just about joked on my tea!
Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

Angie is a pure fashion Goddess!!! This is brilliant on you Suz. That cut is spectacular, where the jacket hits you is perfection and the overall ruggedness will provide juxtaposition with your ladylike items, which is something I personally love to do in my outfits. I think the sleeve alterations are worth asking your Wonder WomanEast about - find out how difficult and the cost and then make your decision. To have something fit you this well would be worth a bit more $$$ to make it custom IMO.
Krista replied 11 years ago

I really like it and I think it suits you just perfectly! :)
Sveta replied 11 years ago

OK, I may be a weird one but I like the sleeve length. It would be too long for a classic tailored jacket but I think for a leather moto it can be a part of the "tough" image. :-)
Suz replied 11 years ago

Thanks, all - I am still laughing at Rachy's comment!!

Sveta, to be clear, I don't hate the LOOK of the sleeves, either. I sort of agree with you! But they are kind of uncomfortable this way. I always find myself wanting to push them back. You know? Irritating.
pastrygirl replied 11 years ago

Wow, I think it looks great in all those photos! I didn't notice the long sleeves until I read the rest of the thread, but that might be because I like long sleeves like that.
Carole replied 11 years ago

Suz, this is a great jacket on you. It looks fantastic in all the photos. Personally, I could live with the sleeve length (sleeves are almost always too short for me) but that is a rather personal thing. Does it bug you? LOVE it! You are on such a roll with all your great purchases!
KathyL replied 11 years ago

I really like the jacket on you. I don't mind the length of the sleeves. I actually prefer it to the scrunched look. I love it with the scarf and taupe top. If it bugs you, I would look into the cost of altering it, but I think the sleeves look fine as it. Very cool look on you.
san replied 11 years ago

This jacket looks amazing on you! Maybe your seamstress can add something to the sleeves that sort of ruches them. I don't mind the look of the length but you say it gets in the way of life and is not comfortable.
I tell you I was really excited when I saw this jacket on you. I have one similar from NAS about 4 yrs ago and I always wish it didn't have the shiney hardware and the shiney leather but seeing this on you has given me a new outlook. You look fantastic and the shine makes your smile jump off the page.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Ah, San....you are sweet!

It's not quite as shiny IRL of course. There was a bit of flash action there - afternoon light is fading these days.

I hope you will get your jacket out again and have some fun with it! Angie may have started or revived a trend!
Diana replied 11 years ago

I love it. The fit is great and so is the length. I don't mind the sleeves, but you know that I like slightly too long sleeves on my jackets - these actually seem just right to me, since you can still see your hands.

As for styling, I think my moto goes with everything, but I don't generally wear high necklines or buttoned up collars. So I guess maybe you should try a lower neckline? I love mine over dresses with boots as well. Closed jacket is easier with a dress or a long tunic-length top, while open jacket goes with pretty much everything.
Jaime replied 11 years ago

I think it looks fantastic and it is worth looking into shortening the sleeves to see what is possible and for how much. It is such a great look for you!
Jonesy replied 11 years ago

Gosh, the fit looks fab, but the sleeve length would be a deal-breaker for me, especially if you say it's uncomfortable. I think with a purchase this big, you need perfection (or something very close to it).

ETA: In looking at the pics again (especially the back view), is it too snug through the back? It looks like it's wrinkling, but maybe that's just the flash playing tricks or something? Suz, have you looked at Zara's other leather jackets?
rae replied 11 years ago

I'm.... on the fence. It fits you wonderfully and is flattering... but are these outfits the style direction in which you were looking to go? From the other threads, and the previous jacket picks, I'm feeling just a tad confused on what the goal is with this jacket.

FWIW, I think I would like it best on you worn with your classic items - like bootcut or straightleg jeans with the Brooks Brothers shirt. With the boyfriends and the combat boots, it looks much trendier and masculine than I am used to from you.
kellygirl replied 11 years ago

I love it on you. I do think that the scrunching works if you can keep them scrunched! I think this would be a fun item to play with!
sarah replied 11 years ago

Wow.

This is AMAZING on you. Only you can decide whether the sleeves are going to drive you batty. I would think that Moto's are common enough that you could hold out for the PERFECT one, if they are really going to bug you. But you are definitely ON TO SOMETHING with this look.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Rae, I didn't really consider these "outfits." I wasn't trying to style the jacket, just to try it on with a couple of things and see how it fit and felt. As I did so, I realized that I really had no IDEA how to style such a thing!

So I guess if I keep it I am going to need some help in that department. And some practice. Low necklines do not feature much in my wardrobe because they aren't too flattering to me on the whole. So this will be one hurdle.

For the record, Jonesy, as leather jackets go, this one is inexpensive. http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....R%20JACKET
catgirl replied 11 years ago

Hey so can I ask my question again - how do you feel? Because Rae has hit on what I wanted to know. Do you see this as taking you in your intended style direction? I'd love it to be the case but haven't heard this aspect from you...
replied 11 years ago

I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I'm on the fence, as amazing as the jacket is. Express has some faux leather jackets in softer colors like "sand" and "clay" right now, and I'm imagining those on you. Just a thought.
Suz replied 11 years ago

I love it! No problem there. I mean I would love it if the arms weren't bothering me.

True, it's a bit of a stretch for me. Daughter says,"It's too tight and shiny." (Note, it's not as shiny IRL as in the pics.) Hubs says: "Talk about trying to look younger than you are..."

I take this to mean they are not thrilled with it. ;-)

But that doesn't bother me. They often say stuff like that at first when I try something new.

If I could figure out how to style it (a big "if" at this point!) it seems to me it would add some of the edge I would like.

Do I feel like I still want some simpler, more streamlined, avant-garde kinds of pieces. Absolutely. But they don't have to take the form of a leather jacket. At least not this year.

And two kinds of jacket (or, in my case, 20 kinds of jacket) can happily live in the same wardrobe. I think?

This jacket doesn't seem inconsistent with what I was talking about before - at least not to me. There's a lot more detailing, true - but it's a real classic that happens to incorporate a high collar, fitted waist, and strong asymmetrical lines -- all of which are super for me and feel completely, totally, easily "right."

Doesn't this fit in with the "urban" part of my various rubrics?

I'm curious as to why it doesn't seem to fit?
Suz replied 11 years ago

Ali - yes - the Express one is the one Claire has, and I really like it, too, and it was/is under consideration. I didn't intend to get a black jacket and can see the potential problems with black for me. So thank you for your thoughts on that.

Hmmm. Well...I don't have to decide immediately - still some time for returns!
Scarlet replied 11 years ago

Before reading other comments, OMG 12 is so ridiculously cute!! I have the same problem with sleeves. I would just scrunch, turn, enjoy the coverage outside, whatever. The alternative would be to look for a sleeve with no detail that is more easily shortened or to look for an elastic cuff, but you know what? I like to think of slightly long sleeves as a look :) I believe Buffy the vampire slayer was big on it, actually. I think the coat looks a little snug from the back when closed, but that is usually the case for a very fitted coat. In cases like that I usually leave it open, unless I am caught unawares and chilly, and then I just close it anyway to be practical. OK, now to see what everyone else said.

ETA: I see the sleeves are really going to bug you. I would definitely price an alteration then and decide.
catgirl replied 11 years ago

Not so much seeing it as inconsistent as feeling I was a bit confused on the direction you wanted to go. If this is it, I get it completely, believe me! If not, I was going to ask why not - just so I can stay on track here! :)

I like the cropped with long sleeves - to me, it's cheeky, the same way boyfriend jeans are.
Ingunn replied 11 years ago

You remind me of my beautiful friend and colleague, who wears moto jackets all the time. She is beautiful, elegant, she is 47, and she wears them with skinnies, scarves, shirts and sweaters. She's got a slender frame, like you. In other words, I think you look very beautiful in this jacket! The sleeves are long, yes, but the look is good. I understand this isn't always practical, but can you live with it? I actually think the crop looks better when the sleeves are longer, if you understand what I mean. The proportions are altered with shorter sleeves, and that makes the jacket look a little to small.

I think a moto, combined with classic garments the way Rae suggested, is very urban, classic and a very suitable look for a grown up woman, and it is definitely a step in the right direction for you. YES!
ElleH replied 11 years ago

I'm not familiar with your style or goals but this looks great, except for the sleeves. Have yo asked Angie for scrunching tips? It is hard to find cropped motos it seems. They seem to hit the high hip so if you could get it to work that would be great. I don't love the back zipped but being a light jacket you probably won't wear it in really cold weather without a coat.

I love it so much I think I will try one on. I hope you don't mind:) I think I have long arms.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Elle, I think it would look great on you! Go for it!

That's what the YLF sisterhood is for. We get a lot of great shopping tips from each other.

When Angie has time, I know she'll pop in with her words of wisdom. She is rushed off her feet right now! Her busiest time of year.
krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

Suz, your jacket is fabulous. Regarding the sleeves, I think there is a certain style with motos, to wear the sleeves long over the hands, when the moto is meant to be worn outdoors. But if this moto is thin and to be mostly worn indoors, then look for having the sleeves altered. It's worth it even if it's a bit more $$, because you'll be wearing it all the time indoors and out after this.
If, however, you intend this jacket to be worn outdoors, then it may be worth getting one size up so that you have room for a thicker sweater underneath.

Also: I myself own a couple of leather motos and jackets (from living in Morocco, hi!hi!); I have found that in order to be worn outdoors in our climate, one needs a thin core shell underneath. You can find this at stores like Atmosphere, MEC or Expedition etc., and these cores are not the cheapest. However, if you chose one that is very form fitting, in a XS, it will be your best fashion friend, especially for wearing cool jackets longer into the season. Because they provide insulation and warmth, it makes a huge difference. Core shells are sold too quickly and XS are rare so don't wait until the weather gets nasty.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Ah! Good thought, Krish. I will take a look. I have one of these from MEC with a high collar in black. Maybe I need the lower collar version as an underlayer. I will check it out. Thank you!
Claudia replied 11 years ago

I agree with Rachylou. It is very heavy and harsh on you in my opinion. My instant impression was of being jarred, too, and not in a good way. I want to like it on you because it fits you well and is really a classic moto in styling. The sleeve length doesn't bother me at all visually, but if it feels uncomfortable, then that matters more.

I think the large, shiny silver hardware on this particular jacket is a part of the problem, along with the color, and texture (the fact that it is very deep and highly glossy black) all put together on you with your petite, soft, and delicate aura.

My opinion would be to keep looking.
Angie replied 11 years ago

WOW. We all see different things, don't we? FWIW, here is my opinion :)

- KILLER was my first response, although you have to judge the comfort of the sleeve length yourself. It could be a deal breaker, or it could be fine.

- I have the opposite reaction to Rachy and Claudia. I find the hardware softening. It mixes the black up with grey. This is softer than an all black jacket somehow.

- A moto jacket is a true iconic classic. It should be in your wardrobe. You are into those types of iconic classics.

- A moto jacket can be worn in an arty, creative and avant-garde way. My word! Look at Jean! She has many, many moto jackets (in black and shades of brown) and is as arty as it gets. So I see harmony with your aspiring style, and no confusion at all. Not that you want to dress uber arty - just making Jean an extreme example. A moto jacket can do exactly what you want it to do. That's why it is on my own wardrobe essentials list.

And now I bet you are as confused as anything. Sorry :(

(Thanks for the kind words, Suz and Shannon).
Suz replied 11 years ago

Angie, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to weigh in. And thank you everyone else, too. I especially appreciate comments from those who are not in love with it and hearing why. It is always useful to get that type of feedback because in addition to (maybe) telling you something about the item itself, it also tells you about how you have been perceived up until now. And often it also tells you about the responder's taste and personal style aspirations, which in turn can help when you respond to THEIR outfits!

FWIW: Angie, I agree absolutely that it's an iconic classic and can be part of an arty wardrobe - probably SHOULD be! So that's not my worry at all. Sleeve length is the main thing. Alas.

The question is, would it be worth it to get an alteration done? I guess I can take it to WonderWoman East and ask what it might cost.

Does it look dumb to turn the cuffs under? They stay that way, although getting them to stay scrunched is another matter. It might depend a bit on what I am wearing underneath.

The jacket is less shiny IRL and softer looking than it appears in the pics, but honestly, it IS still black. So I worry about the "jar" factor, too.

I'm going to put it on a few times again and maybe try to style it; I still don't really know how I would do that. Alas....
Sona replied 11 years ago

Not sure what you are going to decide Suz but like so many have said it looks FANTASTIC from this side of the lens on you. And how spot on Angie is: remarkable!!!
modgrl replied 11 years ago

You. Must. Keep. This. Jacket.
That is all.
cinnamon fern replied 11 years ago

The jacket will look softer and less shiny as it ages, too.
JR replied 11 years ago

Suz the rocker chick! ;o)

As for styling, you are probably going to have to stick to turtlenecks and collarless tops. With scarves, of course, (heh) especially if you don't like the look of a lower neckline. Scarves can fix that, add some colour, and keep your neck warm all at the same time. Okay, I'll stop.

I could see this jacket over a pencil skirt or straight-leg jeans, no problem.

As for alterations, I suspect the sleeve would be shortened at the shoulder for best results, and that would probably be pricey. Your call. I have no other comments on fit, because I don't know what I'm talking about and it has already been well discussed by people who do.
Gaylene replied 11 years ago

OK, for what it's worth, here is my two cents. If you keep the jacket, you will need to get the sleeves shortened otherwise it sounds like the extra length will drive you batty. The cost of the alteration versus the cost of the jacket is something you'd have to weigh out in your mind.

As far as the "classic" concept, that idea has been booted around the forum in the last couple of months and the consensus seemed to be that one person's classic can be another person's orphan. Is a moto jacket a "classic" for how you want to dress? You can figure out the answer to that once you've played around in your closet with the jacket to see how you feel when you add it to your outfits. Would it be the piece you wanted to grab over and over to add that elusive something to complete a look?

As for people's personal reactions, I think you're right when you say that has more to do with their style preferences than anything else. Some will love it, while others would pass the moto look by without a second glance. Only you know if it's something you want in your wardrobe. Do I love it-- not particularly-- but that is neither here nor there. Do you love it enough to get it altered and to play with it to figure out how to incorporate it into your style?
nancylee replied 11 years ago

Amazingly fabulous. I'm loving rocker Suz!
ElleH replied 11 years ago

Suz I don't know if it would make the sleeves too tight bit I find scrunching stays better when sleeves are tight so could having them taken in be a cheaper easier alteration? Or else wearing with bulkier sweater, but you probably want more styling options than that.
unfrumped replied 11 years ago

It's hard to say this with your bright smiling face, but I'm in the not-love category.
I'm fine if that says more about me than about the jacket, but I guess that would be true of any opinion, and how would we know the difference?

So, given that I'm on team back view and a harsher judge of cropped jackets, I still try to think, what are some of the elements I would look for in such an item ? I'm pretty sure that cropped moto on you as a generic concept is way cool--you can really pull it off.

It may just be the photos, but I'm not lovin' the fit in the back--not a fan of the wrinkles. If it is supposed to look like that, then it's just not my thing and so may be fashion-fine. To me the overall look is too shrunken. Again, is that not recognizing body-con fit for what it is? Perhaps. I know I have to fight the urge to wear stuff not fitted enough. So take it all with salt and pepper. What is lacking to my eye is where can cheeky intersect with the appearance of ease of movement and wearing--so I guess I prefer a bit more body-skimming in some places. You do look happy but not effortless, especially zipped. That may be more a goal for "my" look but that's my take. Or perhaps without that , the style intent would not be achieved-here's my moto! Could the color make a difference ? I don't know

I think this very tight look would fit "my" eye better with dresses. I can't get my head around the proportions with the jeans. Maybe styled differently would seem less so, so you may have lots of things you will be wearing it with. It seems edgy perhaps but not classic; again, maybe that is because I think of the fit as more extreme, which of course can make it more fab for the given year or outfit, but less translatable.

My reservations may be in the overly-picky category--things that would bother me but not someone else and similarly I am surely wearing things that someone else would say, huh? So my thoughts are not in the "no way" category, but more, is this the one? So only you will know that.
Ariadne replied 11 years ago

Just chiming in again to say that I saw this at Zara last night and the leather is so divine! It's really a gorgeous jacket. I badly wanted to try it on myself, but it's not the right time for me. I'll "wear" it vicariously through you! I checked out the Express and H&M pleather ones and this is on a whole other level.

I vote keep.
MNsara replied 11 years ago

This is verrry interesting, and clearly not a slam-dunk. I have nothing to add that hasn't been better voiced already, therefore I'm keeping my virtual mouth shut ;-)

Good luck deciding, Suz!!
Ariadne replied 11 years ago

Suz, I thought about this some more as I did my morning chores, since leather jackets are on my mind as well. And I wonder, does this jacket need to the ONE and ONLY leather jacket in your wardrobe, forever and ever, amen? I think your style, lifestyle and climate has room for a classic moto like this one, which will add toughness and a dose of rock-chic to your outfits, as well as a second (and third and fourth?) jacket in a different cut and softer tone--taupe or brown or whatever other neutral works for you. Grey? Olive? Winners even has some amazing blue ones (bright clear turquoise and medium almost-cobalt, among other bleus) right now in a very simple cut--I tried one on yesterday. I really think you could easily get tons of wear out of two or three different leather jackets, and that all would play a large and important role in your wardrobe. I think you only need to consider whether this moto is the perfect edgy, slightly tough leather moto, not whether it's the perfect be-all, do-everything, wear-with-everything leather jacket. Because such a thing does not exist, IMHO.

Of course, for all I know this is stuff you've already thought about, in which case please disregard my ramblings! I'm thinking through this as much for myself as for you ;)
Suz replied 11 years ago

Thank you all again for your perceptions. Unfrumped, Gaylene, I appreciate your weighing in at length with your wise thoughts.

Unfrumped, the weird thing is, it does not FEEL at all tight. I am very sensitive to constriction in the arms and shoulders and in fact had to return an All Saints jacket to Crazyone (forum member) at one point because although technically the right size, for me it was unwearable. I strongly dislike the sensation of a too-tight back. And this jacket, while it feels a bit snug in the front when zipped, still allows for easy arm movement and even some layering. So I am wondering if the tight appearance across the back may be a trick of the flash. In any case, leather stretches quite a lot, so for a fitted look it can be important to buy it on the snug side. And that complicates the problem with the arms - they may only grow longer in time!

Well, no decisions yet. I will maybe play around a bit in the closet.
unfrumped replied 11 years ago

suz, that is a good point. The tricks of the camera may do that and appear to kabosh something that is a non-issue. So definitely feel free to eliminate that as a problem.

I also like Ariadne's comments in the sense that when I hear "classic" as a goal and maybe the one item doesn't appear that way to me, I think, oh, this is not the one. But if this jacket really looks good styled with even several other items, it may be something that moves your style forward ,and it doesn't prevent you from having a any other kind of style of leather jacket for other outfits.

I'm dealing with the possible reverse--I am the recent owner of my first leather jacket that is likely much less cropped and fitted that some others would like, but it is perfect for me over sweaters and to zip up and feel very warm and luxurious when outside, and the sleeves are not too long (!) and it was love at first sight. After the first bloom of love, I started thinking, this is my one and only leather jacket, did I end up buying the wrong one? And instead, I've since like Ariadne been thinking that aha, leather fits into my wardrobe because it can be mixed with so many other fabrics, and just like other blazers or jackets, I may have more than one , and if I do, I'm likely to go lighter (color and weight) and more fitted for the next one so that it will be a somewhat different look and use.

While feeling great is important for any item of clothing, it just seems the quintessential element of the leather jacket--so if that leather is great and feels great and supple on, then that is huge, and the photos likely don't do it justice.
CocoLion replied 11 years ago

Suz -- I haven't had time to read all of the responses but wanted to weigh in.

1. A good leather jacket is hard to find (I am discovering). I upped my budget to $500-600 and still am struggling, wondering if I need to go to $1000 to find that forever jacket. I am looking for perfection -- not too long arms, not too cropped but not too long either.

2. This one looks great on you. If you can somehow work with the sleeves (I use fashion tape on my taupe BB Dakota unlined leather jacket which also has a zipper -- it works like a dream!) I would get this. That is, IF you feel good about this jacket being more rock n roll than avant garde. That would be my only hesitation for you (not the fit -- it fits great for the price point).

3. I want to kick your DH for saying that to you! Sorry.
christy replied 11 years ago

Well, I love the way the jacket looks on you and think that a black moto could be a FABULOUS addition to your wardrobe! It sounds like the sleeve length is the deal-breaker. I don't mind at all the way the long sleeves look, but it's your comment that they are a bit uncomfortable and just get in the way that concerns me. Since this is your first foray into the moto jacket world, do you have time to try on a few others and see how they compare?
celia replied 11 years ago

I looked at it several times and /i like the fit of the jacket.I have a pleather jacket with the same sleeve details and zipper at the wrist that was no problem at all to have shortened.

Maybe you are just not used to the feeling of a leather jacket .Wool coats or even denim jackets have a more confy feeling to them , imo.

Also I have learned at my own expense leather jackets are supposed to be bought form fitting because they have a tendency to mold themselves and give out a little.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Celia, did your seamstress replace the sleeve zipper with a different one, or how did that work?
celia replied 11 years ago

She didn't replace it, simply shortned the sleeve and cut the zipper shorter(does this phrase make sense?)
Mochi replied 11 years ago

Again, Suz, you didn't ask me , but I had jacket sleeves with zipper detailing shortened. It was done by my mom, who's a very experience (though not professional) seamstress.

I can't take a pic now, but she removed the zippers and sewed it all up so that it was an inconspicuous seam (jacket was wool).

Can you also replace or redo the zipper? I would guess you can, but obviously the work and cost entailed would be greater.

Edited to add that I had no idea you could shorten a zipper.
Suz replied 11 years ago

Thanks, Celia.

I didn't know you could shorten a zipper like that, either. I guess I can take it to her to find out.

The issue will be cost. The jacket is not super expensive. I'd be willing to wait for the perfect one (and pay more) BUT I think maybe this is one of those items that I don't need to have "perfect" if it is pretty darn good, and in a way, paying a bit less to try out the new look makes a lot of sense. However, if alterations will add considerably to the price, then I think it becomes not worth it. I could wait for something better.
christy replied 11 years ago

Suz, I forgot to add that I recently did have the sleeves of a jacket shortened that had a zipper detail. I don't know if they shortened the zipper itself (can that even be done?) or just swapped it for a shorter one. It wasn't a leather jacket (it was my Classiques Entier one seen here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ut-to-play), but it might be helpful to know that it can be done!

Pix-Elated

Z Jacket: Angie's personal pick!

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