September: Back to Prep

Inspiration: Balenciaga Fall 2007School days, school days... For those of us no longer in the daily uniform it's still a good time to pick up some new staples to be worn day in and out. Since I'm absolutely in love with the Balenciaga blazers from the Fall 2007 runway, I decided to scout out some preppy-inspired blazers that could be worn with the perfect laissez-faire of one between recess and fourth period history.

Take your basic blazer, add cool buttons, some contrast edging, a bright scarf and maybe do it up in a fun fabric... But overall it's really all about the attitude: pretty and preppy, but edgy and cool all at once! Here's a roundup of ten fabulous blazers for the fall harvest; simple enough for everyday, but full of exciting possibilities!

Everyone needs a good array of velvet blazers in the closet; preferably some with some equestrian leanings! Enter this lovely with a notched collar and two front pockets, as well as tone-on-tone edging overall. Dress up that basic tee and jeans combo, or top a beautiful blouse for an evening out!

Washed Velvet Jacket - $98 at Boden.com

This jacket is both wearable and cute - I love that it's styled from the Empire line and then flares out with a little a-line shape. The overall shape is strong and geometric - especially with that popped collar. I also love that the three buttons allow for movement in the design.

Wool Pique Ava Jacket - $275 at J.Crew 

I love the curved edge of this cut - it's like a gentleman's coat from the early 19th century...at least there's just a hint of that anyway. Because otherwise its purely modern and luxurious with a set of asymmetrical buttons, shaped pockets at the hips rather than the front, and lean sleeves. The grey-on-grey color is begging to be enlivened by some hot pink, bright yellow or electric blue...perfect! 

Robert Rodriguez Cutaway Jacket - $595 at Neiman Marcus

This is definitely something I could wear to work every day - with black baggy pants or slim jeans and boots - the look is adorable and sophisticated. The grey plaid is cozy without losing its edge, and the funnel-neckline adds that touch of 1960s-mod appeal.

Funnel Neck Jacket by Vince - $295 at Shopbop.com 

This jacket has a fabulous simplicity: the cut is lean, classic, and perfectly feminine. The two buttons are perfectly tailored as are the thin sleeves which allow it to be worn on it's own or over a light shell - almost as a cardigan more than a blazer. This piece is so simple that one could leave it alone or easily adorn it with some edging or a colorful scarf to make it ones own in a dramatic way.

Wool Herringbone Bella Jacket - $198 at J.Crew 

Four tailored pockets, a notched collar and contrast edging - this one definitely fits the bill! The soft tweed looks sort of slouchy and washed which gives the whole thing a broken-in, vintage style - like it might have been your mother's when she was in school...

Combat Jacket by Rag & Bone - $515 at Shopbop.com 

When I saw this on the website I had to stop and look at all the colors offered - which one to choose? I love how simple the cut is, but the contrast edging and big buttons give this jacket a dose of whimsy that anyone with a pulse would love to wear! It's cozy and cool...

Wool Swing Jacket - $118 at Boden.com 

I kept coming back to this one...I wasn't sure about the plaid, but then I knew I loved it. It's statement-making, strong, and modern. THEN I saw the back details with its lovely, feminine pleated peplum - that's when I knew I was really infatuated. Perfect with jeans, a crisp shirt, and a solid pashmina - mix it up, Gwen would want it that way!

Plaid Juliet Jacket by L.A.M.B. - $425 at eLuxury.com 

How sharp! How crisp! How chic! It's awfully hard to find fault with this one. The sharp contrast outline is fun and flirtatious without losing its professionalism. Black and white go with absolutely everything, so the skies the limit on the color combinations. Perfect with some dark khaki chinos, jeans, or fabulous tweed trousers - this will definitely catch the compliments!

Double-faced Wool Lexington Jacket - $228 at J.Crew 

This short double-breasted jacket gets its structure from the military, but it's style is purely ladylike. A set of layered ruffles moves along the bottom edge and up the front for a little bit of "flou". I love the long, narrow sleeves and square collar.

Calgary Ruffle Jacket by Sunner - $431 at Shopbop.com