blazing style

There is no good reason why any one person should not own a blazer.

Blazers, acting as the single trendiest "must have" of the past few years, are a staple in any wardrobe. They are light enough to be worn under a heavier jacket, yet warm enough to be used as a solo spring coat. They come in every color and fabric imaginable, and can go with virtually any outfit. They can be seen anywhere, from walking down the red carpet to lounging around in a college dorm.

Blazers express personality, as the wide variety offers something for everyone. College professors gravitate towards corduroy with patches on the elbows, artists go for rips and designs, professionals enjoy sleek solids and fashionistas know how to wear crisp colors. They are paired with t-shirts, suits, little black dresses, pajama pants and skirts of all lengths. The really is no single item which a blazer simply won't go with.

Scarves, handkerchiefs, jewelry, hats and gloves compliment whatever look the trend setter may be going for. Some people live in their blazers, and in time, become defined by them. These jackets will look worn, faded and posses a comfort beyond words from years of wear and tear.

That's another thing about the blazer- like a fine wine, they only get better with time. Unlike most items of clothing, which usually stretch, rip and fade, a good blazer will adjust to its owner, becoming softer and better fitted to their body. Any rips or worn areas will add character, and it will start to become classified as vintage rather than trash. Serious tears or bleach stains can be covered by patches, only adding more flare and personal style to the item.

With any blazer, it's easy to go from day to night. It's one of the few accessories which can remain a critical part of the outfit, from morning meetings to a night out with the girls. Need an outfit for that presentation? Throw a blazer on over a simple button-down shirt, and pair it with a corresponding pair of trousers. At night, only the pants and shoes will have to be changed to bop around town in.

Personally, I own four blazers: gold, brown, green and black:

The brown is my oldest and most diverse. It is a soft corduroy, broken in over the course of two solid years of wear. It pairs with any shirt in my closet, from a thin sweatshirt to a classic button-down. ($24.00 at Old Navy- on sale)

The black is the fanciest than the others, and fits nicely with a sophisticated outfit. It is fitted almost like a suit jacket, and even came with shoulder pads (ick). Pair with a t-shirt, however, it can turn any outfit trendy and even get that classic glam rock look. ($20.00 at Conways)

The green is the loudest, and is usually worn on the days my creative streak strikes. Like the green, it is a soft corduroy and fitted. Some of my favorite looks include pairing it with ripped jeans or tall boots, especially when cruising Newbury Street. ($20.00 at American Eagle- on sale)

The gold is what I jokingly refer to as my "golf jacket," for obvious reasons. It, similar to the black, is on the fancy side, mainly due to the detailed gold buttons. The outside is made of velour and the inside resembles a cool silk. Always a fan of detail, one of the features which sold me on the jacket was the inside pattern, making it especially unique. It usually takes a dressier top, but if done right, can be paired with a simple t-shirt. I have found that plainly colored v-necks work well, adding a complementary piece of jewelry. Another thing I adored was the price ($7.00 at Old Navy!- on sale)