A wardrobe without a Safari jacket is rather like a wardrobe without a Trench coat – it’s just not complete. Originally this style of khaki-colored, self-belted, patch pocketed, jacket was meant to be worn while tromping through the African bush. Then, in 1968, Yves Saint Laurent created a Safari look for his Spring/Summer collection. What was once utilitarian staple has been a fashion statement ever since.
I have a real “thing” for safari jackets. The one I’m wearing here is made of a rather thick cotton. Although it’s a bit too stiff to be super comfortable, I find it very glamorous and simply can’t part with it. I like the safari look so much that even though I have another fitted beige jacket with similar detailing I would happily add an LL Bean classic version to my closet. I just don’t know where it will fit, and I feel guilty adding yet another version of something I already have.
I have worn this leopard skirt before on this blog, and I was getting dressed I couldn’t help but think about Scott Schuman’s interview with Style.com. In it he expresses a certain amount of distain for the fashion blogger and her “limited wardrobe”. Like many of my fellow style bloggers I felt a bit hurt by his statement. The Sartorialist was the first fashion blog I ever read. I still look at his posts almost every day and find both his photography and his subjects inspirational.
Mr. Schuman might find the fashion blogs written by average women boring, but what I find inspirational about them is seeing how other women put together interesting and stylish outfits with a limited wardrobe and budget. Anyone can look great with an unending flow of high-end designer clothing. It takes something special to look great on a middle-class budget. And if you don’t believe me, just take at my blog roll on the sidebar to the right!
I hesitated for a few minutes, and then thought “damn the torpedeos, full steam ahead!”, and put the skirt on anyway.
I felt this pearl and rhinestone necklace added a nice touch of glamour to the outfit.
A favorite purse in one of my favorite colors adds some vibrance to an otherwise neutral palette.
Safari jacket – Banana Republic
Black v-neck T-shirt – The Gap
Leopard skirt – Lafayette
Necklace – Target
Purse – a gift, brand unknown
Scarf – a hand-me-down from my mother, vintage
Shoes – Camper
Do you like Safari jackets?
How do you feel about wearing things you’ve already worn in a personal style post? Have you read Scott Schuman’s interview and what did you think of it?
