Gayatri Hooded Blazer Jacket

This was probably my most anticipated Nsale purchase as I have wanted a hooded blazer for a while and has similar vibes to the Veronica Beard Scuba blazer but without the price tag. The quality of the blazer is nice - the material is heavy and has cute details but the fit is weird. It runs a size small with tight sleeves and could not button my normal size so I sized up. The larger size has arms that are way too long and will need tailoring and the back has extra material and looks sloppy. Alas, I am super bummed that this will be going back. This has been my least favorite NSale to date. Not sure if others agree but they need to mix it up and stop cutting corners on quality since the sale is so popular these past several years. I usually have a couple standout pieces and this year is the first year I am returning most items for quality issues. The focus is on Nordstrom’s own brands and the few designers I love sell out almost immediately and have limiting choices. Disappointing.

The fabric is substantial and feels good when wearing it. The jacket is heavier than I expected, and I started feeling pretty warm while trying it on. BUT, the jacket is too small. The sizing guide said to size up. However, I would recommend going up two sizes. I am almost always a size 6 or small and on occasion an 8 when there is little or no stretch in the fabric or a size 4 when there is a lot of stretch in the fabric. I ordered a size medium, and it was still too small. In fact, the jacket just seemed off in the cut and sizing.

I just love the concept of a casual blazer with a hood, but this one needs to be streamlined a bit. The faux leather details in the back and on the front pockets aren’t necessary and give the blazer a “costume” vibe. The odd pointed lapels could also benefit from a more classic shape. Fit wise the XS was perfect for me (5’3” 102lb) with a little room to spare. The material also has a nice weight to it. Hoping this blazer undergoes a style edit! So close!

…but no. The cut was just odd for me. I wear a small in almost everything, but the sleeves and shoulders were slightly tight, so I then tried a medium. The medium was a bit frumpy on me, and both the small and the medium had too much material in the back for some reason - both made me look like I had a duck tail or something. I was most excited about this jacket amongst my NSale purchases, but it is going to be end up being one of my few returns. For reference, I’m 5’5”, 138, 34D

Ordered after viewing on line because I liked the fit and accented pockets and back panels on the model. Ordered medium (I usually wear a size 6 or 8) which fit me perfectly. When I looked at myself in the mirror I thought “It’s a jacket that doesn’t know what to be….a hoodie or a blazer?” Also, the vinyl looking accents on front pocket and back panels didn’t look attractive to me in person as opposed to on line. Just didn’t do it for me even though it was a good fit. Returned.