Military Inspired Fashion: Part 1

Hi everyone! I hope things are going well on your side of the world. I have been put on a diet by a mouse the last couple days. Did you just reread that? It’s true. Somehow a mouse has climbed through the drywall of a neighboring apartment and is making periodic dashes across our kitchen. I am terrified of the little rodent and the thought of him running across my foot has kept me far away from the kitchen for the last few days. We have set up a no-kill trap (I may hate the thing but I refuse to kill it) and my husband has been sweet enough to bring me my meals when he is here. Today he is at school so I’m left fending for myself by munching on lifesaver mints I found in my purse. Yeah, I’m that terrified. So to get my mind off the little fur ball I thought I would do a post inspired by all the trends I’m seeing for fall 2012. The reoccurring theme I’m noticing? Military. Now don’t worry, I promise there will be no camouflage involved.

If you want to rock this look in your wardrobe, start with a jacket or coat. I’ve found some really chic (and affordable) styles that make it easy to be military modern:

One of the most classic military styles is a black, double breasted jacket (2 rows of buttons) with brass fixtures. Above, you can see two of my favorite fashion icons, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Middleton, showing us how to sport the look the right way. This is a style that has been in fashion for awhile and probably won’t be going anywhere any time soon. The first piece pictured above is the basic double breasted blazer. It is perfect for fall weather and can be paired with anything from a dress to jeans. I have a jacket very similar to this one that I bought a year ago and it must have super powers because literally every time I wear it, a stranger compliments it. The one I bought is no longer available but the one pictured above (number 1) is almost identical and just $35 on Amazon. The second look is a coat that I’m itching to get because it will easily transfer from fall to winter. The little details are what really makes this coat unique; it has velvet accents that lay in between the buttons and crochet detailing all around the edges as well as on the chest (click on the link to see a zoomed in view of the details). You can purchase this coat on Modcloth for $105. Last, the vest is the perfect accent for fall and would be perfect layered over a sweet dress or your favorite sweater. This vest will be a staple for your fall wardrobe and is a steal at only $45 on Modcloth.

If you like the double breasted jackets with brass buttons but want a more youthful fun look, try going with a color other than black. I found some fun colored coats in different colors that will be perfect for fall and will guarantee to make you stand out. The first look is actually a jacket, not a coat, but it was too cute not to share.  You can find this teal beauty at Forever 21 for $28. The second look will keep you cozy in the cool weather plus the cream color will coordinate well with just about anything, available at Modcloth for $85. The third coat is a belted bright red coat with the most beautiful pleating in the back which makes the coat more stylish and flattering on the body; it’s available on Amazon for $140. The fourth coat is a more fitted pea coat available in several colors (shown above in burgundy) and sold by Tommy Hilfiger for $ 145. The fifth option is my favorite but it is only available in size large for $187 from BeBe. I love the color, the pleating, the gold brass buttons, the welted pockets.. pretty much everything, hopefully it will be available in other sizes soon! Last, number six, is a deep purple pea coat sold on Overstock for $40. It is available in other colors but I think the purple is my favorite!

For this next trend you’ll want to channel your inner Colonel Mustard. Mustard is one of those colors that doesn’t appeal to everyone but it looks good on almost anyone. Look for mustard jackets with strong shoulders, double breasted, and/or brass buttons. The first felted coat is a Jack by BB Dakota available for $70, the second open front blazer is $37 at Charlotte Russe, the third double breasted jacket is at Forever 21 for $33, and the fourth blazer is sold at Modcloth for $63.

Alright friends, that was your first taste of military inspired fashion. Tomorrow I will post again with more military inspired looks that are a bit more rugged and show how to pair them with more feminine items for the perfect balance of hard/soft. So what do you think, would you rock one of these military trends? Which of these looks is your favorite?

Have an enchanting day,
Natalie