Remember my somewhat sick, sad obsession with this LaRok blazer (despite the rather...uhhh...shiny factor)?
Looking back, I was definitely most obsessed with the cropped length and the short sleeves. This ON blazer looks like it has potential as a more subtle, wearable substitute with a few alterations. If the torso fits well (I will find out if they have this in stock at ON today and try it on), would chopping off the sleeves to make them short be a problem? Also, would you substitute different buttons to give the jacket more oomph?
The one problem I see is that the Old Navy blazer doesn't have puff sleeves. I think that is what gives the short sleeves on the La Rok the cuteness factor. I liked the La Rok jacket also despite the shininess
I think the Old Navy jacket would look adorable with quarter length sleeves though, to make it lighter for summer. Also in the winter you could still layer blouses under it, and have cute sleeves peeking out.
I think it'd work well to shorten the sleeves. I'd leave the buttons, but it really depends how much oomph you want - a subtle metallic might be nice for a little more.
I don't think you have an H & M around you, but I wish you could check them out!! I was in there the day before yesterday and they had an ivory textured blazer that may be just what you're looking for.
have you tried Forever21? I was there the other day and it seems like they had at least 3-4 different styles of puff-sleeved, cropped white blazers. They were around $20.
__________________
"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
i think this is a cool idea, lilykind--it seems like it would work, although like others have pointed out, you won't have the puff at the shoulders. it should be easy enough (and cheap) for a tailor to just cut off the sleeves and hem it up. i also think changing the buttons would be good--just make sure it is something very modern (maybe shiny)--if you go with a button that is too brooch-like, the combo of that and the brocade fabric will look kind of grandmotherly.
as a side note, did you see the twelfth st/cynthia vincent version of this jacket? they had millions of them on sale at neimans last week.
the only other "issue" i see is that the lapel of the jacket is different. that might make a big difference too! great idea though....
on a side note, i went to the fabric store for some thread to fix my bf's pants and my creative side was just going nuts, maybe i'll draw some inspiration from you and put some of those ideas to use!
__________________
"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots
if you decide to have a tailor do the sleeves, if the sleeves are roomy enough, you could have them pleat the cuff of the sleeve so it puffs a little bit. like pinch the fabric together to make a little inverted pleat--i wish i could draw a picture. . . that would help create a little volume.
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus