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Review of Spring/Summer Etoile Isabel Marant collection

Thursday 10 January 2013
I was on a rushed trip to London yesterday but I managed to pop into Harvey Nichols in between appointments to check out the latest Etoile Isabel Marant collection. Harvey Nichols has one of the nicest fitting rooms to date. I can never understand why stores paint their fitting room black along with black doors or curtains. It's ridiculously difficult to see how you look in a gothic looking room along with dim lighting (perhaps they're trying to create a "romantic" atmosphere??!) especially when you're trying on darker colored clothes. Okay, rant over.

I think other Isabel Marant addicts out there would understand my sentiments when I whinge about the inconsistent sizing of both her Etoile and Mainline collections. The closest store that stocks Etoile Isabel Marant is located 1.5 hours away so online is the only option available to me. So far, I've worn a whole gamut of sizes ranging from 0 (or 36) to a 3 (40/42). It's a little like playing the lottery when I'm trying to figure out which size to purchase.


etoile Isabel Marant
etoile Isabel Marant

I spoke about the Ariana jacket previously here but I felt that it was a bit of a tight fit. I decided to try the next size up - 40 and boy, it really made a difference. The shoulders fit better and I could wear the jacket closed without any gaping holes between the hooks. The style is more feminine and a refreshing change from the boyish designs that Isabel Marant's famous for. This is definitely going on my wish list to get for the upcoming spring.



etoile Isabel Marant
etoile Isabel Marant

The nappa perforated leather jacket fits true to size. I normally wear a size 38 and this fits me fine with a bit of room to layer underneath. I'm not feeling a lot of love for the leather jacket. This costs £680 which is fairly similar to the amount I'd forked out for the Kady but there's not enough leather to justify the hefty price tag. The perforated leather is thin and it's lined with a sheer cotton fabric. This would be perfect for those who live in hotter climates say, California or Sydney but I still think it's a lot of £££ to pay for thin leather.



etoile Isabel Marant
etoile Isabel Marant

Etoile Isabel Marant Alika coat in bordeaux (or in grey here)

Do not judge a book by its cover. In this case, do not overlook the jacquard cushion like material. I was somewhat dubious when I held it up from the rack to take a closer look but it's a dream to wear. I had to size down though. I was wearing a size 36 in the photo. I could've easily gotten away with a 34 as well. It fits like the famous Bator/Baki jacket but it's slightly more slimline, particularly the torso which eliminates the bulky look. Great for those who are petite or slender because you don't really want to end up looking like the Michelin man. Made of 60% cotton, 33% wool and 7% polyamide which means it can transition from spring to autumn and winter with ease. Like all her coats from the newer collections, this is not lined. So far, I've seen the Alika in 3 different colors - burgundy, light grey and darker grey.


31 comments:

  1. I really like the way the first jacket looks on you. The fit looks great and you can wear it both open or closed and dressed up or down.

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  2. You're so right with the inconsistent sizing of IM, so frustrating! I got the Ariana jacket in black/white and also sized up for a more comfortable fit.
    I really like the Ariana and Alika coat on you. You are so right about the Alika, when I saw it hanging on the rack I wasn't too excited about it, but it looks great on you. And it also looks so comfy to wear.

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  3. Oooh love the coat. More importantly what sneakers are you wearing - they are lush! xx

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    Replies
    1. Got them from The Kooples. They're super comfortable as they're lined with thick cushions.

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  4. I'm considering buying the Ariana jacket and you have just totally confused me as to what size I should get. I as considering the 40, but now seeing it on you and the fact that you are tiny makes me think that maybe I should size up... decisions decisions (I'm a true UK/AU 10 up to but with boobs).

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    Replies
    1. I would definitely size up. I'm not flat chested either so I find size 38 a little too tight around the chest. Unlike the Alika, the Ariana runs small.

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  5. I so covet an IM jacket. That Alika coat looks awesome on you.

    Rowena @ rolala loves
    Enter my Shabby Apple Necklace Giveaway!

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  6. The Alika looks good on you. That colorway is the best I've seen! It's disappointing that it's not lined, but some store websites say it is? Did you see the Aude by chance?

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    1. The Aude wasn't available at Harvey Nichols. It drives me bonkers that all these stores, in an attempt not to step on each other's toes, will order different pieces from the same collection. Which means I have run from one to the next just to locate the pieces I'm interested in.

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  7. The first jacket gets my vote. I think you might tire of the last one and agree on the leather, its a lot of money for the way you describe the quality x

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  8. I'm not really a fan of IM mostly because her fit is really weird and the materials for the price you pay is pretty insane. But after seeing her clothes on you multiple times, I'm tempted to try them out, particularly her tees and jackets.

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  9. Were you not tempted by the Ariana in the raspberry shade then? Though I have to say the black and white colourway is more versatile. I actually really like the Alika jacket especially in this light shade.

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    1. I'm fickle. Now that I've seen the B&W version, it gets my vote. I like the Alika in this grey too but having said that I've noticed that the burgundy is usually flattering against my vampire pale skin tone.

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  10. Thanks for all the sizing and info. It's so useful for fellow online shoppers like me :) The sizing is ridiculous and makes trying to buy something such an involved process which normally involves returns or size exchanges. I just can't believe the sizing issue hasn't been addressed by now.

    I love the Ariana and Alika on you. Did you take the plunge and buy any? I hope you are fully recovered now from your flu. It's really nice to have you back blogging

    xx Mandi

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  11. The Alika jacket is such a great piece, and like you said, I like that's transitional. Great review of all the pieces. They look wonderful on you and let us know if you ended up snagging one of those goodies.

    xxTheresa

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  12. Out of all three, my most favorite must be a second jacket. I love how it compliments and gives a slimming effect. The color may nit be as versatile as black but it sure is pretty and unique. Too bad about its price and thin materials. I would hate to folk high dollars on something overpriced.

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  13. I'm such a sucker for her jackets and coats! I love the Alika on you! Great cut and pattern! If it's still around during sales, I would love to pick up the burgundy version.

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  14. NOw I'm really tempted by the Ariana in the black/gray. Just when I swore I had enough little jackets! They all look great on you but I think the Ariana is the most flattering and versatile - and the best value. So fun!

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  15. Swoon! The Alika is perfection! I love everything about it and it looks super flattering on you too. I know what's going on my birthday wish list...

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

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  16. Oh my..the 40 looks so much better! I prefer the Ariana in this colourway than the raspberry red. It looks cleaner and sleeker imho:)

    None of these beautiful jackets will be relevant to where I live.. I am hoping the plaid cotton dresses will make an appearance soon.

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  17. I'm also wondering those sizes ..?? So weird that they don't keep same sizes in all collection !! That's makes diffucult If you want to order online. An other problem start to be prices..they are going up, but the quality don't do the same :(
    Anyway,Alika looks great on you :)

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    1. Her sizing drive me bonkers. I wish it's more consistent because I've bought size 0 jeans and they were too big and then size 2 ones were too small. Go figure. I think the pricing for the Etoile collection is still pretty ok but as for the mainline....... I would rather get a Chanel jacket for what I pay for an IM.

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  18. You look great in all three but I'm feeling the love for the third one - but that's probably because it's baltic here this weekend and the others look too cold on you! lol. Out of the other two, I'd prefer the leather one but the price is crazy…much too expensive for what it is! Have a super weekend, Avril x

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  19. Great post! I love the jacquard jacket in the last photo, but I've realized that IM oversized jackets are not that flattering on me....I'm going to post this on MP's fb page. - Aliya :)

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  20. i love the alika coat! there's something about the abstract design i like!

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  21. Love the Alika coat on you. It's my favourite.
    In fact, wouldn't mind getting it myself as well :)

    You're right about the inconsistent sizing. I'm usually a size 2, but in some pieces I'd to get size 1 or 3. Whenever I have to buy online I use net-a-porter or matches measurements and compare them to clothes that I've in my closet. But, of course, there's always a risk.

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  22. Ooh, I really like the Ariana. Agree about IM sizing, I find the chest and/or upper arms are cut on the slimmer side. May I ask what size you wear in the Fred jacket? I have one in a 38 and it fits well. I'm guessing this means I'll need the Ariana in a 40 but wanted to check. I'm usually a US6/FR38, curvy on top too.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Deb, l wear a size 2 for the Fred. I'm rather 'meaty ' on my upper body. The Ariana runs a little small. l would recommend you take the 40.

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  23. I Like the alika jacket.... can i ask how tall are u?
    thanks

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