Couture Counsel: Interpreting The Runway

So a couple of blog entries ago I hinted at a jacket that’s a favorite of mine yet rests in my closet like a semi-forgotten trophy wife. She’s not lost her glitter, still a sight to behold, but she doesn’t get out much. And by that I mean at all.

Every time I pass by this black jacket in my closet from the stellar Chanel 08A collection, I think of the two rather unassuming looks from the runway (the next two photos are courtesy of my favorite fashion site, Style.com)…

that in reality turned out to be pretty incredible works of design and tailoring…

But you say, it’s just a black peplum jacket, so what’s the problem? Well, it’s not so much a problem as it is a…tricky situation. Because it sort of looks like Jackson Pollock exploded under the jacket and all over the very flouncy peplum:

I love this jacket. As you can see from the belt on the back of the jacket, when buttoned, it gives an illusion of shape on my otherwise boyish figure. I’ve worn it around in my closet over pj bottoms a few times just to enjoy it, but for the life of me I’m not sure how to serve it justice out in public. I also want to play up its fun factor. Interpreting the runway is not always easy (esp since I wasn’t able to score the matching skirt, though the skirt + jacket look from the runway is not super fun) when an article has a particularly unusual detail.

So what say you fashionistas out there? How do I wear this? I’m giving you free reign this time; no requirement of bottoms, bags or shoes. I need your styling advice…the only caveat is that the outfit not look like Pollock exploded on the outside as well :D.

Waiting for your counsel in the closet with my trophy wife…

January 25, 2011