So - I got a question over on my Tumblr about fall/spring jackets.  That question was fairly specific, i.e. fall/spring jackets with a hood that could be purchased in or shipped to Canada.  But I found some great options and saw some other great options, so I thought I'd do a post here for all my American readers who might be in the market for a new fall/spring jacket of their very own.
Sam Edelman 'Kit' Asymmetrical Wool Blend Coat at Nordstroms ($178 - This jacket might be a nice alternative to the 'field' jackets that are everywhere right now for someone looking for a more professional look since it has the same olive shade with a more graceful, dramatic cut. Also a great coat if you happen to cos-play as an LOTR elf at all, or just happen to think you are one.)
Betsy Johnson Collarless Animal Print Coat at Nordstroms ($109.99 - This is one of those coats that I'm not 100% sold on when buttoned, but I think looks really cute when unbuttoned - which I guess isn't the BEST feature in a coat.  But, overall, I think for someone looking for a more adventurous coat this might be a nice option - the print is tempered by the traditional colors and cut.)
Elie Tahari Marla wrap coat at Neiman Marcus ($195 - this wool blend wrap is an exclusive NM item. I think its a really beautiful and unique jacket, though it may definitely appeal more to my older readers. Its also a secret ninja jacket; the shawl collar converts to a hood.)
Guess Asymmetrical Textured Wool Blend and Faux Leather Coat at Nordstroms ($198 - Leather sleeves are EVERYWHERE right now but this is one of my favorite versions of it [though this navy blue Michael Kors one is awesome too.]  I think the burgundy pairs well with the black rather than clashing with it the way khaki can. Leather and wool also go great together. Biggest problem with this is that between the sleeves and the zipper, its going to be dated quickly, but hey - when it comes to trends - you might as well go big or go home, right? Also, this may be more of a late fall/winter coat, depending on the weight. If you like the idea of interesting sleeves, but aren't ready to commit to full on leather sleeves, you might like this Guess jacket with studded sleeves also at Nordies.)
Club Monaco Emma Trench Coat at ShopBop ($298 - a classic trench coat is always a great way to go in the spring and fall, especially if you don't like switching between a ton of coats.  This double breasted look with a belt is a classic menswear style with slight adaptations for women, but you wouldn't have to worry about it ever being dated.  The little flair at the bottom does give it just a touch of personality. Note: for those who prefer a single breasted trench, I've always liked the look of this Ellen Tracy. And for a double breasted option that's more affordable, this London Fog jacket is nice - though a bit less refined looking.)
Fit and Flare Coat by ASOS Curve ($109.69 - ASOS Curve has a bunch of cute coats right now, but I like this trench.  Its girly in a way that isn't *too* twee and for women with curves it would be ridiculously flattering.  Basically, I think that if peplum works on you, than this is the trench coat for you.)
MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Faux Leather Trip Soft Shell Jacket at Nordstroms ($168 for plus size available in burgundy and black, regular and petite sizes, but in black only.  Available in navy blue at Neiman Marcus, but its more expensive. I think this jacket is great, it works in a couple of this seasons trends but its still pretty classic. Plus, its professional but not so formal as to be useless for outdoorsy or weekend wear.)
Corduroy-Trimmed Quilted Coat from Ralph Laure ($219 - these fitted, quilted coats are great spring/fall jackets because they provide a bit of warmth but aren't too heavy and are still waterproof. This version is also in a nice, not too aggressive tartan, which is the pattern of the season. But, this particular tartan and jacket are both so classic that you could wear it for years to come and not look out of place.)
Calvin Klein Colorblock Houndstooth Coat at Nordstroms ($125.98, limited sizes only, so - I realize that this jacket is very similar to the Guess jacket above, but I am a *total* sucker for houndstooth so it had to have its own entry.  Plus, I think the lack of leather sleeves will make it more timeless and I like the black side panels which create the illusion of curves without necessitating a belt.  Overall, its a really cool jacket.)
Penfield Kasson Parka from Madewell ($185 - This is by far one of my favorite parka style fall coats I've seen around this season.  First of all, its available in navy, burgundy, and mustard, a/k/a three of the best colors ever.  And its just slouchy enough to look extremely comfortable but structured enough that you don't look like you're wearing your older brother's coat.  Plus, the hood is lined in a tartan fabric.  Basically, this jacket has hit all the right trend notes, but in five years no one will be able to look at and say "oh, you got your jacket it 2013?"
So I think that's it for now gang. What about you dear readers?  Have you gotten any jackets recently that you love and want to tell us about?  I recently bought an AWESOME leather jacket at Nordies Rack. (This is it, but mine is oxblood and I got it for a significant discount - actually if you're on the hunt for a leather jacket made of real leather, I'd head to the Rack nearest you and check this jacket out if they still have it.  Its awesome.)  

Also - as I'm sure you have noticed, I have not been posting here with anything you would call regularity.  Work has been hectic and life has been crazy and I've been dropping the ball. I do post quite regularly over at Tumblr, including fairly frequently posting random items I find during my internet shopping perusals. So if you need a TCFKAG fix, head over there and just check it out (if you can cope with the Avengers and Tom Hiddleston that is.)  But I will try to pick back up in my posting here. Sorry for my delinquency and I hope you enjoy this post!  

Have a splendid weekend.  I know I will!
 
So - blazers and fitted jackets are basically the essential workhorse of my wardrobe.  I wear them to work most days and throw on some of my more casual ones on with my weekend clothes (it takes my outfit from "I grabbed this outfit at random from the drawers" to "I almost look put together if you don't squint too much.")  So - since I did a big post about pants, which I don't even like, I thought I'd do a big post on blazers and jackets.  Note - my favorite blazer is a beautiful, ribbed navy blue blazer from Brooks Brothers.  It is a wardrobe essential and fits me beautifully.  This post, on the other hand, is really about blazers with a little more pizazz (though some workhorses might sneak in.)  SO LET'S DO THIS THING!  Note: the price ranges on some of these items are a bit higher than my usual choices - but if you're going to splurge for something in your wardrobe, I always think that blazers or shoes are the way to go since you wear them the most.)
Twenty 8 Twelve 'Cahun' Blazer at Farfetch ($525.76 - out of my budget by A LOT but this may be my dream blazer.)
Michael Kors Washed Linen Blazer in navy at Neiman Marcus  ($175 -  also available in plus sizes.)
Seasonless Peplum Jacket at WHBM ($148 - a nice alternative to the "traditional" black blazer.)
Olivia Moon Linen Jacket in green fern at Nordstroms ($79 - variety of colors and good reviews.)
Front-Zip Moto Jacket in coral at The Limited ($69.99 - love this - great work appropriate moto cut.)
Tory Burch Hayley Printed Jacket at Neiman Marcus ($350 - god I love this design.)
Cut 25 Melange Suiting Combo Blazer at Piperlime ($269.99 - very lucky size only - but this is awesome.)
Jones New York Corduroy Blazer at JNY ($79 - I love my cord blazer for weekends or even for casual days at work.)
Two by Vince Camuto Seersucker Blazer at Nordstroms ($96.75 - love the cut of this one.)

And now just a few "classical" black or navy blazers that can form the perfect backbone of a fancy business casual office.
Bop Basics Fiance Blazer at ShopBop ($198 - I'm going to do a few basic black jackets too - this one has a nice cut for my longer waisted readers.)
Gibson Knit Blazer at Nordstroms ($58.96 - perfect for my shorter waisted readers who prefer a more fitted blazer.)
The Blazer in navy at Jones New York ($169 - comes in navy and black as well as some colors - I like that it doesn't have gold buttons on the navy jacket.)

Okay!  This is just a spattering, a mere sample if you will, of all the blazers out there.  But I like them ... and I'm sure I'll be posting more blazers in the future.  So, what is your favorite blazer?  Do you have a go-to blazer you can't live without?
 
Reader A wrote in:

Hi! Love your comments on Corporette and was going to post there but why not just go directly to the expert?! I am a plus-size apple shape. I wear right around a 14W-16W. I am completely uninspired but am interested in finding some affordable work options. I work in a business not-casual-but-not-a-suit-everyday kind of office. I often wear cardigans with blouses and skirts or slacks. As for style, I'm probably more Talbots than Coldwater Creek, more button down than loose and flowy. Do separates look better on apple shapes than dresses? What should I avoid? Any advice you can give or specific recommendations of affordable clothing would be very appreciated. Thank you, TCFKAG!

So this is a very timely question, since we were talking about body shape, natural waist definition, and generally dressing for your shape today or yesterday at Corporette.  So I'm excited to address your question.  So - my absolute favorite website out there for "how to dress your body shape" is Inside Out Style - she has addressed TONS of body shape issues way better than I can (probably) and in far greater detail.  Seriously, check it out everyone.  Reader A, if I had to guess, I would bet that you are what Imogen calls an "O Shape" - someone who carries their weight through their mid-section.  Rather than recreate the wheel - I am going to copy and paste her suggestions for O-shapes here:

How to dress your O shape body (see also this page):
  • You will find tops that drape past your body really make a difference.  Anything that clings won’t flatter.
  • If you feel you need to put a horizontal line on your body, make sure it’s in the empire position (just underneath your bust) rather than at your waist.  If the fabric is at all stiff make sure there are no gathers under the bust as you will get asked about when the baby is due.
  • Layering is your friend, a dark top underneath a lighter (than the top) jacket or cardigan will help make your stomach disappear.
  • Use that column of colour to create the longest vertical line you can.
  • Create focal points around your face, rather than through your mid-section
  • Keep patterns dense, but larger scale.
  • Ruching is your friend.  Ruching in a top can help to hide a myriad of secrets.
  • Tunics can work really well with skinny jeans on your body shape, especially if you have great legs.  Tuck your skinny jeans into knee high boots to balance your upper body.
  • Patterns (especially when dense and low negative space) can help to keep the eye moving and not draw attention to your body.
  • Look for fabrics that don’t have too much bulk, but also those that skim, without clinging, too much lycra in a garment won’t be flattering.
  • Single breasted jackets are best for you.  A wider collar can help draw attention up and out.
  • Avoid cropped jackets, you will find jackets that fall no shorter than the hip bone flatter most.  3/4 length can really work.
  • Jackets are great for hiding lumps and bumps, make sure the fabric is not to stiff, that they are fitted, but not too tight.
  • You may find that straighter shaped skirts work well for you, falling from your hips and creating a longer line.  Trumpet skirts that flare from the knee can also work.
  • Avoid skirts with gathering at the waist, tiered skirts and stiff a-line skirts
  • Dresses with a knot just under the bust are a great shape for you.
  • Alternatively, try a faux wrap dress that doesn’t have any seaming or ties around the waist
  • Darker denims, softer denims with some stretch will work better for you than light and stiff denims.
  • Avoid too much distressing on denim, keep it simple and clean looking.
  • Have your pants hemmed as long as possible to create the longest, leanest line.
  • Trouser shape jeans are great, bootcuts also work.
  • Want to wear a belt? Check out these tips.
The keys seem to be shirts and dresses that drape nicely across the middle but cinch at the empire waist.  Trousers that are straight legged will be best.  Avoid bringing attention to the stomach area (AMEN SISTAH).  Jackets, structured sweaters, and other items that create structure over the draped shirts.  Working with these parameters, here are some ideas - both in the separates world and the dress world (I might even throw in a couple trousers.)
Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Jersey Faux Wrap Dress at Nordstroms ($188) - I know its pricey, but I think this could become a real wardrobe stable.  See this awesome version in polka dot too!
Gingham wrap shirt at Talbots ($79.50 - available in other colors) - I think it would look nice under a suit jacket.
JM Collection Sleeveless Sheath ($46.99 - several colors) - belted at the empire waist, I think it would work.
Maggy London London Times Short Sleeved Textured Sheath Dress ($98 - only in 14W) - I really like that this hits right at the empire waist, has sleeves, and creates a shape without being too clingy.  Plus this color could be lovely for spring/summer.
Sejour Ela Pencil Skirt at Nordstroms ($68) - meets the "straight skirt" recommended by Imogen.
Charter Club Short Sleeve Cross Front Top ($24.99 - lots of colors) - nice shape - good under jackets.
Adrianna Papell Jersey Fit and Flare Dress at Nordstroms ($93.80) - I like the color and the way it brings attention up to the bodice.  Plus the color is pretty.
Signature Wide Leg Linen Trouser at Talbot ($109) - nice straight leg and no pockets emphasizing the middle areas.
Evans Single Button Blazer at Nordstroms ($69.50) - just in case you need a black blazer, I like this basic one.
So!  I hope this inspires you and gives you some ideas.  Write back in and let me know if you like any of these.  And definitely check out Inside Out Style's blog - she has amazing advice.  Have fun revamping your wardrobe...I know you will.  :-)
 
I like this trend of jackets with leather sleeves or leather detailing but otherwise non-leather.  Here are two options - one spendier then the other.  On the left is a Vegan Leather Jacket by RD Style and sold at Piperlime ($79).  Its got a nice casual vibe and would look cute with jeans on the weekends or over a dress for going out.  On the right is a slightly more stylized version from Aqua Jacket - Army with Leather Sleeves (comes in both the darker Olive and a lighter Stone).  This one has a more drapey quality, though the back arches up at an interesting angle.  At $178 its definitely pricier, but the arms are also real leather.

RD Style Vegan Leather Jacket at Piperlime
Aqua Jacket - Army with Leather Sleeves at Bloomingdale's