Obsession with Chanel Bouclé Tweed Jackets

I can't sew even if you put a gun to my head BUT that doesn't mean I can't recognize exquisite workmanship or material on a garment. I was rendered speechless the first time I clapped my eyes on a Chanel jacket. I'm no clotheshorse. I prefer a handbag over clothes most days. However, I have a weakness for jackets. Any well executed and beautifully tailored jacket will bring me to my knees.

Chanel jackets transcend time. The timeless factor won me over. Who wouldn't like a classic jacket that will still be relevant in a decade's time? In fact, a tweed bouclé jacket that I fell in love at a Chanel exhibition was well over 45 years old.Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could pass my Chanel jackets to Lil L when she's old enough to appreciate them?

More than a decade ago, I used to see Chanel jackets at my local consignment stores going for ridiculously low prices. They were always a couple of sizes too big. At the time, I didn't know that a Chanel jacket is made up of multiple panels which you could easily alter 2 to 3 sizes up or down. A word of advice here. If you don't have an excellent tailor who can tackle a job like this, go to a Chanel boutique. I had a tailor who bungled an alteration. Argh.

Did you realize that Coco Chanel used tweed in 1930s because it was cheap? That said, they're anything but cheap these days with a jacket running in the £2500 - £3500 mark on average. The brass chain that runs along the seam weighs the jacket down for a better drape and fit. I have been obsessing over a contrasting ivory and black Chanel bouclé jacket for many years now. Imagine my delight (okay, that was an understatement. I was whooping for joy. How unladylike of me.) when I finally located one in near new condition in my size. It fits perfectly as if the jacket was made for me. I guess the saying patience is a virtue rings true here.