Look to the catwalks for inspiration.

My absolute favourite designer for tailoring is Stella McCartney. Her  slouchy, slightly oversized tailoring captivates and completely inspires me, and has caught on in a big way. 

The longer boyfriend jacket with the strong shoulder and the pushed-up sleeves that she showed in her Spring Summer  2009 collection,  worn over little cocktail dresses or with cropped pants has become a big trend.

Not advisable in these credit crunching times…

but worth a peek at what £1,025 will get you.

If you don’t have enough stashed away for this incredible Stella Original, then fear not. There are plenty of High Street alternatives.

First stop, Ebay. To be honest, there are a lot of boyfriend blazers on there, especially vintage, but due to obvious high demand and popularity now, prices aren’t as barginous as expected.

OVERSIZE BLAZER DRESS JACKET TOP  £39.90

Next stop, Asos. 

They have a good selection Jackets, not a cheap as I would have liked, but worth a look.

ASOS Jersey Boyfriend Blazer £40

ASOS Boyfriend Blazer £48.94

If it helps you a little bit more… 

Free delivery on all ASOS orders over £50 using code APRILDELIVER

(during April only)

Newlook are considerably cheaper, but I find they don’t always fit as well.

Boyfriend Blazer £30.00

My favourite for nailing the  boyfriend blazer trend is loyal Topshop. Completely overpriced but a great match for Stella McCartney

Jersey Boyfriend Blazer £50

I recently dug deep and pulled out of my wardrobe a blazer I’d purchased about 5 years ago.  All it’s taken is a quick dust off  and a roll up of the sleeves, and teamed  with a pair of leggings or layered over a dress and I’m all set for the season ahead…

And it’s not a bad fit for New Look. Honestly,  the picture above does itself no justice.  The hood is detachable, and honestly looks pretty cute on or off. It could benefit from being a few inches longer, but then I am tall.

Admittedly, it’s not the same as Zooey’s, and therefore I shall keep looking and of course, keep you posted.

The one time this season I have braved londons artic conditions, and the icy glances of clued up  fashionistas, was to check out ‘Yes Man’. I loved the book and so understandably approached the film with huge sceptisim. There are 2 reasons i came away loving this film. The first is Zooey Deschanel. I love her, and this has nothing to do with her acting. Her elfin-like beauty charms me everytime. And the second reason is a certain winter coat worn by Zooey throughout the majority of the movie. Having studided and worked as a costume designer, I’ve convinced myself it’s only natural to take a keen interest in the most beautiful royal blue with trimmed red piping, double breasted, mid length military inspired wonder. But alas, after much research, this is the only picture i could find..

Also catching my attention was this rather cool PVC 60’s inspired rainmac…

But back to the first. Costume Designer Mark Bridges confirms my suspicions, that it is indeed a one off vintage find. GUTTED!

Convinced that my Winter will improve 100% by having this coat, I have a few options. 

1. Find a replica (for as cheap as possible)
2. Find one similar and alter (for as cheap as possible)
3. Make one (for as cheap as possible)

Colourwise, Asos come near the mark with this Dahia Double Breasted Coat with Red Trim. But at £80, I’m happy to keep looking.

My second option, to alter an exsisting coat seemed the next best option. I found this Fantastic site Vintagetrends.com selling some incredible vintage and military wear. But to be honest, if I was going to have to take the coat apart to insert the piping, I might as well start from scratch myself and get it perfect first time. My sewing machine could do with a good run, and my tailoring skills certainly need a polish up… so making it myself it is then, and I’ll be sure to document it for those of you up for a challenge.

Lets hope it doesn’t take too long as the weather is supposed to warm up come monday… Shit!