cropped swing jacket : restyle

Now that my tummy is ever-expanding, I decided to go on a shopping spree for my favourite style of jacket; the swing jacket! They not only provide a nice contract for wearing longer dresses, but ample room for any shape and size that exists beneath the coat as well. Plus, I think that they exude the perfect blend of a timeless look with a retro vibe. Honestly, they’re just the cutest!

I purchased my first cropped swing jacket nearly 10 years ago. It was grey and black, with a Peter Pan collar, and ¾ length sleeves by the brand Vero Moda. For six years, I wore it everywhere, and in every season. I took it to Switzerland, France, and the UK, had it when we lived in Saskatchewan, then Alberta, and visited the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Quebec. I also wore it when I put my St. Bernard down. Wherever I went, it went. Eventually, my mum began to call it ‘The Rag’. It certainly wasn’t in tatters, but it was beginning to look worn. Grudgingly, I dropped it off at the consignment store a few years ago. Being one to having a hard time letting go of things, I have missed it everyday since. I had made so many memories whilst wearing that coat, that it remains my favourite one to this day.

(My Vero Moda jacket seen in Bath, UK.)

(Also on the day Scarlett was put to sleep.)

Every time that I visit a thrift store, I look for that coat. A few weeks ago, and while I was on the hunt for a new swing jacket, I came across one that reminded me of ‘The Rag’. It was a few sizes bigger, was a different name brand, and had a plaid pattern. However, it was grey and black, cropped, and had ¾ length sleeves, pockets, and a collar. The best part was that it was only $10. I bought it that day, took it home, and began to restyle it.

The first thing that I did was remove the epaulettes and buttons that were sewn onto the shoulders. Next, I mended a few snags that were visible. Lastly, I added pink lace to the interior of the pockets. My last coat did not have this feature, but I feel like it made it look more effeminate. Plus, I’m a sucker for lace.