Origami Jacket

 
I bought this jacket years ago, at a time when appliqués and ruffles were on everything: blouses, sweaters, trench coats, oven mitts. Would that be c. 2010?

How long have you been in my closet, Rebecca Taylor?
How long have you been in my closet, Rebecca Taylor?
The years, they blur together; perhaps I have achieved the singularity
The years, they blur together; perhaps I have achieved the singularity

Neither a ruffle nor an applique be . . .
Neither a ruffle nor an appliqué be . . .
 
 
The ornamentation around the collar is neither an appliqué nor a ruffle — it’s always reminded me of origami — but it occurred to me when I bought it that at some point ruffles might go out of style (in a definitive way) and we would all be wearing very severe lines.

So, I envisioned an afterlife for the jacket: I could remove the origami-ruffle-appliqué trim and still have a useful little jacket. Sheila Bridges, the interior designer, urges people to plan an afterlife for furniture — e.g., “I’ll use these Eastlake chairs in the kitchen today, and when I buy the big house, they will flank a fireplace.” I think the same principle is helpful in deciding whether to buy a trendy or expensive piece of clothing. Someday soon, I will write about durability in clothing: the wisdom of purchasing clothes trimmed with beads, sequins, leather and suede or embroidery. [Spoiler: It’s fine, as long as you have a plan.]

The jacket is short and boxy, so I like it paired with a longer top and slim pants.

The years, they blur together; have I achieved the singularity?
Silhouettes of different proportions intended to achieve balance
Many blouses
Many blouses

As you can see, one top wasn’t enough; I’ve actually layered three. A mandarin collar white lawn blouse — so useful — and a pair of identical, printed tank tops. You may wonder how I came to own two of these tanks. Well, I ordered the top in two sizes and when it arrived, I realized it was so sheer that it couldn’t be worn alone. (It’s totally see-through.) So the XS became the camisole for the S. One might say that the XS was singularly qualified to serve in this role, and because the tanks were on sale, the solution was highly rational.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Jacket: Rebecca Taylor; Tanks: Patterson J. Kincaid; Blouse: JCrew; Pants: JCrew: Shoes: French Sole New York; Bag: Coach Poppy Tote

4 thoughts on “Origami Jacket”

  1. The further plan for already owned clothing is a concept I need desperately to attend. There just have to be other ideas utilizing these favorite items. Your blog motivates me in so many ways.

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  2. You had me at ‘origami’….I love the fine art of paper folding!
    This jacket’s neckline is wonderfully unique and it is the perfect ‘finish’ to the box style and simple lines of the jacket. Ruffles may go in and out of fashion but this neckline deserves permanence! I love it!

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  3. I love the origami jacket, it matches the texture of your curls perfectly! I hope you keep the origami on there for as long as it pleases *you*, trends be damned.

    I have to admit that I am especially prone to the whim-whams so I am having trouble imagining wearing three shirts layered over each other. But, I love the idea of a white cotton blouse combined with the print of the tank top, which reminds me of a paisley/foulard/possibly recycled sari scarf. I really want to try that! (I have the scarf, though the perfect white cotton summer blouse has proved elusive so far. Definitely filing this inspiration away, though!)

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