Fine.
I can admit it.
I may have been wrong about the jean jacket.
Thinking back to the mid-80's, I loved, loved, loved my trim-fit Levi's jean jacket. It completed what was my favorite outfit for the longest time - a thick white cotton t-shirt, Italian-restaurant table cloth red-and white checked Esprit shorts (size 8, bitches), a red fringed sash, pristine Keds with squashy white aerobics socks, a red bucket Liz Claiborne purse worn messenger-bag style, and the biggest hair you ever saw. What made the jacket even better was the big U2 I painted on the back in the EXACT same pattern/color as the band's name on the Unforgettable Fire album.
I miss that jacket.
I miss the smug self-satisfaction of size 8.
(I don't miss the bear-claw bangs, though.)
Anyway, I'm thus opening my mind and heart to the possibility of wearing a jean jacket again and thought I should make that point public.
(Yes, I am procrastinating the real work I need to do - how did you know?)
Besides, how freaking cute would a little tailored denim jacket be with this purse?
No, I don't own this bag.
(And I never will if I don't stop procrastinating and do my work.)
My post got logged under Trish?
I too had the garden weasel bangs and crimped hair with a denim jacket with a painted aerosmith logo.
ahem...I think denim jackets are still kind of 80's looking.However this is from a girl who recently stalked and bought 2 bermuda bags. I am now searching for leg warmers..just to wear when shoveling snow.I swear!
Posted by: Kelly Marie | March 28, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Ok I am creeped out, that post with my name and link...that is not what i said.
Posted by: Kelly Marie | March 28, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I have a tailored jean jacket that looks much dressier than most.
Sadly, I can't button it anymore. I feel your pain.
Posted by: Kathy | March 28, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Your initial instincts were correct. Just because stores still sell jean jackets and people still wear them, doesnt mean they are in style.
Jean jackets scream suburbs! carpools! I have 2 kids! I like crafts! I am trying very hard to look cute eventhough I am overweight! I will likely team this jean jacket with khaki capris and wedges!
Posted by: Liz | March 28, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Your initial instincts were correct. Just because stores still sell jean jackets and people still wear them, doesnt mean they are in style.
Jean jackets scream suburbs! carpools! I have 2 kids! I like crafts! I am trying very hard to look cute eventhough I am overweight! I will likely team this jean jacket with khaki capris and wedges!
Posted by: Liz | March 28, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Jen-
one word for the jean jacket and that purse ADORABLE!!!!! go for it
Posted by: Wendy | March 28, 2008 at 08:05 PM
I too had the garden weasel bangs and crimped hair with a denim jacket with a painted aerosmith logo.
ahem...I think denim jackets are still kind of 80's looking.However this is from a girl who recently stalked and bought 2 bermuda bags. I am now searching for leg warmers..just to wear when shoveling snow.I swear!
Posted by: Kelly Marie | March 28, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Is it too upfront to ask to see a picture of this historic outfit? I think I had the same ensemble, only the pants were a pink plaid. No fringed belt, though. I didn't learn to fully accessorize until college. I think I was too busy ratting my hair. Plus, the Aqua Net killed off valuable accessorizing brain cells that I didn't recover until some years later when I was introduced to the Coach Saddle Bag.
Okay, like everyone else, I want the bag. LOVE the bag. Must have the bag. NEED the bag. Then, saw the bag is $850....
Can we say, "Bitter is the new Dolce and Gabbana Floral Print Satchel?"
Great. Must go hot glue Pottery Barn sheets to old Coach Saddle Bag now. If you see a woman walking Michigan Avenue with a do-it-yourself Dolce and Gabbana bag, that would be ME.
Posted by: Trish Weidig | March 28, 2008 at 04:53 PM
That bag is indeed hot. I actually have sheets from Crate and Barrel with almost the exact same pattern. Not sure what that means, exactly, but I saw that purse and thought: sheets!
Posted by: Sara | March 28, 2008 at 04:16 PM
That handbag? Is HOT!
And it would look AMAZING with a cute little denim jacket! And maybe red flats? =)
Posted by: JenBun | March 28, 2008 at 03:37 PM
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! A bag like that is simply not a purse its a handbag so please respect the handbag. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet but not in this case. A handbag is even sweeter!
Posted by: Brandie | March 28, 2008 at 03:17 PM
where is the bag from? Must have... please post so I can make my boyfriend buy it for me
Posted by: Laurie | March 28, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Why must you tease me with such a beautiful bag? Shame.
Posted by: Linsey | March 28, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Jen, wasn't sure the best way to contact you but I've been doing a little author pimping on my blog lately (ps--thanks for the link-pimp on your own LINK section), and shared some love your way about your upcoming book and Bitter as well on a youtube vid I just did. Check it out if you're still looking for ways to procrastinate!
Steph aka Manic
Posted by: Manic Mommy | March 28, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I like the jean jackets in the Sundance catalog. Chico's has some cute ones, too. Very dark denim is my favorite.
(I think jean jackets are practically a job requirement in education.)
Posted by: Lulu | March 28, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I had those same Esprit shorts which I wore far too often (alternating them with the striped version) along with my jean jacket and red Keds. Ahh, the 80's.
Posted by: Kari | March 28, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Dang, Jen. Have you got a photo of you in said outfit? I can't even put that together in my head, and I've got a hell of a good imagination! I think I get overloaded at the thought of that red fringed sash? worn with shorts? Wahhhh? I can't work it all out. A photo or even a bad sketch would be very helpful.
Posted by: Caroline | March 28, 2008 at 02:35 PM
OMG...I have a jean jacket, several in fact and wear them constantly through the year. My office tends to be in the low 40's even in July, so in addition to looking supa-cute with my floral skirts, coordinating t's and adorable sandles, it keeps me from freezing the finer parts of my anatomy off.
Posted by: stephani | March 28, 2008 at 02:33 PM
haha bear claw bangs. love it.
Posted by: tia | March 28, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I just bought a tailored jean jacket at Talbots a couple of weeks ago - very cute and classic. It's a keeper, and I'm not a jean jacket girl... not even in the 80s. Love, love the purse... Kate Spade has one that is similar - yum!
Posted by: Attygirl | March 28, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Nice bag! And I defiantely agree that it would go perfect with a jean jacket!
It is amazing how we can justify pretty much any purchase, isnt it?
Posted by: Becca | March 28, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Um....it seems to be a copy of a Marimekko pattern. Wonder if they will get sued. Sadly, Marimekko doesn't make bags that cute!
Posted by: jlm | March 28, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I found the purse on Zappos for a cool $850!
Posted by: Lois | March 28, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Ok, bitter with baggage figured it out. Go, BWB. Speaking of Bitter with Baggage, ever checked out "Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same". Really funny photography book!
Posted by: amanda | March 28, 2008 at 01:49 PM
#1: I NEED ME THAT BAG
#2: I have *current* jean jackets that I wear sparingly, and I still thought what you wrote yesterday was hilarious.
#3: re your U2 -- here's my own blog entry on ... the Jesus Jacket (tm) http://antof9.livejournal.com/71026.html
Posted by: antof9 | March 28, 2008 at 01:47 PM
When I wave my mouse over it, it says dolce. Is it D&G? I tried to be a computer nerd and viewed the source, but I don't understand the random assortment of letters, numbers, and symbols that appeared in the box.
Posted by: amanda | March 28, 2008 at 01:44 PM
here's the link to the handbag....it's on the Neiman Marcus website from D&G....but only if you promise to never wear it with a jean jacket...
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod47720084&parentId=cat5980736&masterId=cat14910733&index=5&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat000149cat000226cat000061cat14910733cat5980736
Posted by: bitter w/baggage | March 28, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Meanwhile, that purse is supercute. What kind is it?
I was going to comment on the jean jacket thing, but I figured that I was wrong. I bought one in 2002 that I wore with black pants outfits, and I thought I was pretty awesome while wearing it. Now it's too small, but whatevs. I currently rock a khaki trench.
Have a fab weekend!
Posted by: amanda | March 28, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Oh frig...where did that purse come from? I need to own it now. I Googled it and I still couldn't find it.
Posted by: Lois | March 28, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Oh frig...where did that purse come from? I need to own it now. I Googled it and I still couldn't find it.
Posted by: Lois | March 28, 2008 at 01:33 PM
I have a jean jacket and all my friends told me not to buy it. But now they all love it on me. I love being right! Also, I NEED that purse.
Posted by: tab | March 28, 2008 at 01:17 PM
or, instead of a jean jacket, you could just put a button down on over the top of your polo. Buttoned up. With the color of your polo flipped up underneath. Just an idea.
Posted by: kalisah | March 28, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I wore my jean jacket today. Solidarity girl!
Posted by: Kristen | March 28, 2008 at 01:03 PM
A tailored denim jacket can really make an outfit. I'm all for the tailored jacket, actually.
I am very jealous that you wore Esprit. I was too chubby, even back then. Phooey!
Posted by: sizzle | March 28, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Dear Jen, your first instinct was correct (as they generally are).....the jean jacket is so over.....nothing screams "I live in the suburbs" like a jean jacket.
Posted by: bitter w/baggage | March 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM
word on the fashion street is that as long as the jean jacket is dark, [not stone washed] & fitted, it is totally in! i love mine. & i recently learned that the jean jacket worn w/jeans is refered to as a "canadian tuxedo". ha. :)
Posted by: tiffany | March 28, 2008 at 12:52 PM
J Jill has some really cute and feminine jean jackets. Just go to jjill.com and check it out. Their clothes are fabulous. Have you heard of them?
Posted by: Nina | March 28, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Dude. I was pretty disappointed in you last night. I was stunned that you would mock the Jean Jacket. It didn't seem like you. I mean you mock stuff a lot. But the JEAN JACKET?
Thank you for opening your mind.
Posted by: Sister Honey Bunch | March 28, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Dont knock the jean jacket till you try it! Its looking good here in Baltimore. Especially for spring cute shorts, polo, and jacket. Its my uniform here!
Posted by: Courtney | March 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM
i love that purse. i want that purse. i NEED that purse!!! Gimme!!! :)
Posted by: carolyn | March 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Um, I love my jean jacket. Just no double-denim. I don't care what they say, just say no!
Posted by: Jenny | March 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM
OK, am I a nerd if I have to ask who makes that purse? I love it!!!!!
Posted by: Nina | March 28, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Incredibly freakin' cute
Posted by: The Modern Gal | March 28, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Love the purse! Jean Jacket would definitely work as long as you don't wear it with Jean capri's or shorts. You've got too much style to fall into THAT trap. You negleted to mention shoes...little ballet flats perhaps?
Posted by: Stephanie | March 28, 2008 at 12:16 PM
A jean jacket is a perfect Springtime option. Love it with khakis!
Posted by: LJ | March 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Jean jackets are back in girl! (just no U2 on the back, please ;) )
Posted by: Laura | March 28, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Wow I miss being a 10!
The little jean jacket thing is working here
in Philly. I say go for it! It goes well
w/ wine LOL
Posted by: Christine | March 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM