Now that your mind has been eased and you’re ready to try this trend on for size, don’t be discouraged when most pieces exceed your financial reach as most “it” items often do.  Not only will your favorite politically incorrect franchise (i.e. Forever 21) soon be mass-producing pocket-friendly designer replicas but you can save even more by temporarily recreating the same look at home.  This way, you won’t be hundreds in the hole when today’s must-have jacket becomes next year’s fashion faux-pas.  

First come the shoulder pads...just like us, they come in all shapes and sizes but are equally perfection depending on one’s taste.  I happen to love all sorts of jackets so I invested in a variety.  You can find these at any fabric emporium or for a great selection at your easiest convenience check out : laurensilva.com/shoulder_pads.

Pieces that work well in achieving the desired look of this trend are larger men’s style blazers and tailored slim-fitting jackets...and these examples I pulled from my closet would certainly benefit from a little oomph.




What could turn these plain jane looks into red-carpet ready?

hmmm...                                                                                                             

ahh, yes....      

Shoulder pads!!



When altering a jacket a la Ms. Collins’ broader approach, use larger shoulder pads (like the white option pictured above) to define a strong line typically not seen on women.  This exaggeration of a “men’s jacket” is a perfect balance for tight pants and high heels allowing us to exude a confident but effortless chic as opposed to flashy...or trashy.  Who doesn’t love themselves a sexy tomboy?

Of course for a slimmer cut or more petite shape, an investment may need to be made.  It’ll run you about three deep at any vintage shop or a good 20 minutes of digging’ deep in mom’s closet but will prove well worth the commitment as this little devil is a free alteration that is once again removable and reusable! They call it...well I don’t know what they call it... so I call it “the clampy-to-make-stuff-tighter thing”:



A little nip in the back...and a lil tuck into the shoulder...and we’ve gone from drab office wear to standout street style!



Now that you’ve seen how easy it is...and my hideously embarrassing mirror face...you owe yourselves, and me at this point as I’m clearly invested in the issue, at least one fair shot at trying this trend on for size.  A well-fitted blazer is a wardrobe staple but don’t blend into the background when a simple shoulder tweak will have interests peaked. Use these tips for an at-home attempt before you make any splurges but I do hope you’ll now be less intimidated when walking by the rack of this fall’s most recent retro recovery!
xx