So - for this post I am going to partake in a bit of navel gazing. In recent months I have desperately wanted one or two really well fitted, attractive women's waistcoats to add to my business casual wardrobe. I mean, I love them on men, and I would love to pair them with pencil skirts and other girly items and just add that slight androgynous flare that I so enjoy. Plus I just think waistcoats are hot.  But I haven't pulled the trigger yet and part of the problem is finding the right waistcoat in a budget I can stomach!  So...I thought....what better way than doing a TCFKAG Shops post on the very subject.  So here goes.  To give you an idea of the type of waistcoat I'm thinking, here's a great example from Marc Jacobs.
I love the simplicity of it, the way its clearly fit to work for a woman, and that its a traditional suiting material.  Of course, it goes without saying that I wouldn't pair it with a silk (?) midi-length skirt and elbow-length gloves.  I was thinking more a burgundy or dark gray pencil skirt with a white button down underneath.  And with my new black, patent-leather t-straps added in for good measure.  Unfortunately, as is to be expected, this is a bit rich for my blood

So - on to a few ideas..
Houndstooth Wool Vest by Ralph Lauren ($179 - I really like this vest, especially since I'm a total sucker for houndstooth, but I worry that it reads a bit too much "I'm spending my weekend on my ranch up-state practicing show jumping" to really fit in for my workplace.  But maybe paired with a red or deep brown pencil skirt and the appropriate heels, I could bring it around.  The price is also, still, a bit steep for something that may just be a passing fancy.)
Anne Klein Glen Plaid Cap Sleeve Vest at 6PM ($81.99 - I think this vest actually has some potential - if only it fit the model.  I think it is at least 1-2 sizes too big for her, making it look baggy and overall unflattering.  But if it fit, I think it could give off the vibe I am going for.  Plus the price is definitely going in the right direction on this one. My two concerns are that it might look a bit cheap and I wish it had two buttons rather than just one.  But otherwise, an option to at least consider. Editor's Note: if you're in the mood for a laugh - go check out the skirt that is made to be paired with this vest - the pleats on that thing are out of this world.)
Navy Waistcoat by Etsy Seller Julihunter ($126.98 - sometimes, when you can't find quite what you want on the mass market - Etsy is a good place to look.  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of seamstresses on there making a variety of clothes - some of them even bespoke.  I love this particular waistcoat for the color and the shape...though I hope I could get her to change out the buttons.  Its not that I don't like them (I do) but I think I'd like something more neutral for the office.)
Emmanuel Ungaro Vintage Fitted Waistcoat at Farfetch ($115.05 - so this particular vest isn't available in my size - but I am super drawn to it and wanted to share it with all of you fine people. I love the details - the textured (linen I think) fabric, the gold buttons, the cut, basically everything.  Its a truly lovely piece of clothing.  Ah...to be wealthy and skinnier. Though as a side note, I think this is another case of the vest not truly fitting the model, but that's a battle for another time.)
Studio Stretch Faux Double Breasted Vest at Express ($47.94 - so, in this case, I'm hoping that this vest is simply too small for this model.  Otherwise, I really am not into vests that are intended to button below the breast area, as if serving the girls of up on a tray for everyone you see that day [YES, here they are, I - a woman past puberty, have BREASTS!].  I know its a look, but its not a look I want to rock at the office. But, on the other hand, if this fit such that you could button all of the buttons - it might not be a bad option.)  
Black Collection Tuxedo Vest from the Limited ($69.90 - man, the Limited has really been pulling out all the stops lately with cool, on-trend clothes that don't look *too* twee for the adult professional and this piece is no exception.  I'm a big fan (and seriously considering purchasing it.)  I wish it came in more colors, but beggars can't be choosers, right?  I like that it buttons up all the way and the back is a silk-like fabric rather than just the same fabric as the front or a solid color jersey.  Overall, I think this one might be the one that most closely resembles a men's waistcoat, but of course, cut for women (hopefully.)  With a patterned pencil skirt or pants (maybe stripes?) and some interesting jewelry - this could be quite a look for work.)

So - for any waistcoat fans out there who are looking at these options and are simply, underwhelmed, have no fear!  I saw TONS of cute, interesting options in the MUCH more expensive designer level.  Which usually means that by this time next year, we should be seeing waistcoats just about everywhere.  And then you'll have your pick of the litter.  (And remember, you can say you heard it here first.)  So commenters - would you wear a waistcoat?  If so where?  To work?  For fun?  Just so you can feel a little closer to Tom Hiddleston or Neal Caffrey in some small way?  Let me know in the comments!