Issue #1: Capsule Outerwear & Perfect Blazers
The best outerwear for any weather and black blazers for any body.
Hi friends, new & old! Welcome to The Closet Edit newsletter, where I will regale you with wardrobe-building staples, organizational wizardry, and solutions for easeful living. My parameters for sharing material goods are that I’ve tried them on myself or clients and I think they are well-priced for the quality. A bit about what I do…I’m a personal wardrobe stylist and I work in-person or virtually. My greatest super shero skill is that I create wardrobes that flatter any woman’s body, from petite to plus (and petite plus!). Helping women feel beautiful and confident gives me a great sense of purpose so that’s what I’ll be doing here - sharing what I know so you can feel and look your best. While the trickle-down effects of Reaganomics never panned out, Raiternomics are proven: A well-dressed, confident woman has a powerful impact on her family and society. LFG!
*Hey husbands, lovers, children, etc - If you’re buying a gift and need help with sizing, please email me - jessica@jessicaraiter.com.
Outerwear For Any Weather
If you’re looking for a new coat or jacket, these are my favorite, versatile options for any weather.
Sportmax Wrap Coat, $525 - I love this robe coat for several reasons. The fabric is exquisite, you can layer it over a heavy-weight sweater or lighter jacket, it looks fabulous belted or open and it is just CHIC. While Cettire sells it for $525, it retails on other sites for $1450. I have no idea why they price it this way but I have purchased it for myself and several clients and it arrived beautifully packaged and in perfect, brand new condition. Let’s not ask questions we don’t want answers to. I normally wear a size 6 and love how the size 38 fits me. Size 44 was a perfect fit for a client who is 5’2” and size 16. It really is the perfect coat.
Aligne Wrap Coat, $360 - This coat has more structure than the Sportmax. It is a heavier, more substantial coat and looks like it should cost at least $1500. It runs big so to do the size math for you, based on the oversized fit, take your normal US size and and purchase one size larger in the UK size. (I wear a US 6, which would normally be a UK 10 but because it runs big, I wear the UK 8 in this coat.)
Sezane Christie Jacket, $225 - More substantial than a blazer (but can double as one), this is the perfect Fall jacket if you live in a moderate climate. I wear the size 6/38, which is great over a t-shirt or the best turtleneck bodysuit, but would get the 8/40 if I wanted to layer it over my favorite sweater.
Aritzia Super Puff, $250 - This water repellant, goose down puffer is without a doubt the warmest thing you will ever put on your body. It has a removable hood and soft storm cuffs with thumb holes to keep your hands warm. I own it in red but I chose black here because sizing is spotty in the various colors. I got the large for an extra oversized fit. It’s machine washable, which is always a major plus for me.
Perfect Black Blazers
Everyone needs a black blazer. Here’s what I love about these three.
Favorite Daughter Favorite Blazer, $328 - This is a beautifully tailored blazer, with just the right amount of give to make it comfortable to wear. Bonus points that it can be worn as a separate with jeans, over a dress, or as a suit with the matching pants (which also come in petite). Extra bonus that it is wool-free, if that’s an issue. Size up for a more relaxed, modern look or if you carry more weight in your stomach and want to create an hour-glass silhouette.
Theory Casual Blazer, $245 after 25% off - This menswear-inspired blazer is softly constructed in a wrinkle resistant fabric and is perfect for travel and daily wear. I sourced it for a client who can’t wear wool and she lives in it. It can be worn as a light top layer or layered under a coat for extra warmth. Runs TTS.
J.Crew Willa Blazer, $170 after 40% off - The Willa blazer is a J.Crew signature and comes in several iterations every season. This Italian wool blend is a classic. Less tailored than the Favorite Daughter but more tailored than the Theory, it’s the perfect fit if you want something effortless but polished. Runs TTS.
I hope you enjoyed these edits. Future edits will include gift guides, denim and handbags so please subscribe if you haven’t and forward to a friend who needs help. xo Jess