Jack Wills Gilet: A Review

A champion of the Jack Wills craze

During the cooler days of the year, it's a common sight to see my fellow BAMMJ buddy, Devon Francis, in her hooded navy gilet - a pink bird with a cane and top hat prominent on the breast. But she's not the only person I've spotted wearing this piece of designer outerwear at Bournemouth University. In spite of the £98 price tag, the sleeveless jacket has also been a common sight on numerous other students, which leads me to the obvious question: what makes the Jack Wills gilet so damn popular?

Devon Francis sporting her Jack Wills gilet

But before that can be answered, there's a more basic question that needs examining... How did these young people afford it? Because the last I heard, students are poor and would probably starve were they to spend their month's budget on a single, expensive, sartorial pleasure rather than the basic necessity we call food. In Devon's case, her gilet was given to her as a gift, and perhaps it's the same case with everyone else. But no matter who bought the gilet, someone bought it, so what about this Jack Wills jacket is worth delving down into the hidden depths of your pockets?

Kirkbridge Classic (Source: jackwills.com)

Bampton (Source: jackwills.com)

First of all, they do look good for outwerwear. Unlike other gilets which tend to be rather puffy and/or come in lucid eye-grabbing colours, Jack Wills' are slimmer and don't go overboard with vivid shades. In addition, a stylish check pattern features on the inside of the jacket and a fur-lined hood is an option should you choose the Kirkbridge Classic.

However, don't let the lack of bulk on these jackets fool you. With a thick layer of duck down feathers in between the fabrics, the Jack Wills gilet is very effective at keeping the wearer warm and snug. So although the gilet may not look like hiking or rambling material, it can certainly hold back the wind and chill.

So in terms of both appearance and practicality, I feel the Jack Wills gilet rates as a high quality jacket. Nonetheless, does this designer gilet deserve its designer cost? One could argue that being higher in quality doesn't necessarily have to mean a higher price, but in this case, Jack Wills appears to disagree. Personally, I am too conscious of my finances to spend nearly £100 on just one item of clothing, but regardless of spending habits, such a cost is still perhaps a little too steep. Yet unfortunately - as with any designer clothing - you don't just pay for the quaility, you also pay for the label. And although the label might not be as pronounced as the in-your-face branding of Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, that small grandiloquent birdie says everything you need to know.

All in all, if you're looking for a well-made and well-styled gilet, I would certainly recommend Jack Wills, but whether you think £98 is worth its designer warmth is entirely up to you.

(For a more critical review, visit the East Sea Axe Originals blog by Adam Fisher, or to visit the Jack Wills website, click here)

On campus, Bournemouth University

A ribbed vest and black jeggings are the underlayer for this simple yet stylish look,
in which brogue shoes and a chunky knit bring the outfit to life. I especially like the
cardigan's large collar and warm colours.

A down the rabbit hole fantasy

Those who have had the privilege of entering my bedroom at Purbeck House will know of the Mad Hatter poster stuck to the door of my en-suite shower room. The reason his face stares at me every single day is not because I am a secret exhibitionist, but because the crazy attire of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter is something I genuinely admire.

As soon as I saw the trailers for Tim Burton's modern take on Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter immediately inspired me. His dress - an infusion of extravagancy and the apparel of costume drama - appealed to me from the instant I laid eyes on him. I agree he is an odd source of inspiration, but although the Mad Hatter may be an embodiment of unconventionality, his look is also particularly classy - at least in my view anyway.

During last summer, I yearned for an Alice in Wonderland style picnic in the gardens of Windsor Great Park, for which I could dress as my inspirational figure. But alas, there came to be no fancy tea party among the rhododendrons. Perhaps this year, I shall fulfil my little fantasy with a top hat perched upon my head and a blanket beneath my bottom. Would anyone care to join me?

A Hint of Vintage

As the first fashion-related event I have attended as a fashion blogger, a sense of professionalism surrounded me as I made my way to A Hint of Vintage at Bar So, Bournemouth. Howbeit, this was immediately stifled when I pulled out my compact Sony Cybershot rather than a more qualified digital SLR. At which point, I decided to forget professionalism altogether and asked the barmaid straight out for sex on the beach. Unfortunately however, she gave me a cocktail instead. *BADUM TSH!*

Anyway, getting back to the event itself...

A Hint of Vintage was a charity function hosted by BU events management students in support of the Wessex Autistic Society. Features of the night included free cupcakes, half-price cocktails, goodie bags, a raffle, and a brilliant live music set from Flick White. Of course, in running with the vintage theme, there were also vintage clothing stalls from which one could purchase items from local vintage stores.

However, my question is this: why has vintage become so popular lately?

Although I am unsure whether it is the same case in other parts of the country, there has definitely been a rise in the vintage trend across the Bournemouth area, with about a dozen retailers to choose from. I will admit that I personally have yet to buy any vintage clothing, but I certainly see the appeal.

Whilst prices climb in our favourite high street stores, vintage clothing offers a cheaper alternative to great style. Although the majority of stock is second-hand, it should not be compared with the apparel of charity shops. No, what vintage stores offer are clothes and accessories from the long gone decades of the 20th Century - bags and hats from the 1920's, leather jackets from the 1950's, retro jumpers from the 1990's and so much more. Some items will even be unique finds, allowing you to create a truly original style in the current fashion climate.

However, in response to the growing popularity of vintage clothing, the high street are jumping on the bandwagon. Topshop, for example, has been finding inspiration from vintage pieces and including certain details into its own designs.

Nonetheless, as much as Topshop and other high street retailers can reproduce a "vintage style", it will never be inherently vintage. Such a trend will - like all other styles before it - become a shadow of last season and be replaced by new collections. Original vintage clothing, however, is - in spite of the obvious paradox - timeless, and can therefore always be incorporated into your personal style irrespective of the current fashion.

So why is vintage so popular? It's old fashions brought back to life, giving you a way to jazz up your contemporary wardrobe with original finds at bargain prices. It's a fashion revolution that anyone can come to love.

And after seeing the various collections at A Hint of Vintage, I'll be finding out more by visiting some of the many vintage retailers in the Bournemouth area. So keep your eyes open for more vintage blog posts in the near future.

(Thanks go to 2nd-year events management students, Laura Bowles, Jo Stevens, Hannah Anderson, Laura Meares, Fiona Coxsell and Emma Battman, for all their effort in making A Hint of Vintage an entertaining success)

Bar So, Bournemouth

Smart-casual looks are always popular for an evening out. The mustard-coloured
trousers work well with the grey blazer when balanced out by the white granddad
t-shirt. This is also another example of sockless feet and tassel loafers - is this how
these shoes are supposed to be worn?

Waiting for the bus, Bournemouth University

A great check coat for the springwear transition, and the bag definitely draws the

eye with its striking contrast of calm white and vivid red. Her shoes, however, I

adore even more. Hi-top gets the high heel treatment, adding a dimension of chic

and sexiness to what would normally be casual footwear. I love them!

"Unconventional Chic"

If you've seen Lacoste's most recent campaign, you may have thought it to be a little odd. Polo shirts over formal attire is indeed unconventional, but I would guess most people agree it looks more silly than chic.

'Unconventional Chic' advertising campaign, as featured in GQ

However, it just goes to show that the advert has been successful in grabbing your attention. The unusual combination of tuxedo and polo shirt is certainly not something one would wear day-to-day, or even to any formal function I'm aware of, but it does draw one's eye to the polo shirt, René Lacoste's ingenious and innovative creation - the original statement of "unconventional chic".

To be fair, we do owe a lot to dear René. Without his champion thinking during his tennis career, we may not have the comforting polo shirts of today. I'm not saying you should go out and purchase his £65 masterstroke (although the little green crocodile is rather cute), but perhaps take a few seconds to think of where those piqué cotton shirts - which we take for granted - originally came from. Lacoste created an unconventional chic by transforming the style of the tennis shirt, and in doing so, he produced a timeless classic.

(To browse the full Lacoste range of polo shirts, visit the official online store)

High Street Style

Today, the featured trends come from Zara menswear and Primark womenswear respectively. Both retailers have taken a subtle approach to their new spring collections with a basic contrast of pale and dark tones. Nothing is particularly bold or bright, but during this time of year, one's outfit doesn't have to be. The transition from winterwear to springwear can sometimes be tricky, so if in doubt, keep it simple.

Turn-ups and pushed up sleeves hint a change in the season, but a coat or knitwear

is still a practical option when the temperature is constantly wavering.

Floral patterns are typical of springwear, but thankfully these aren't at all garish.
The balance against the black also provides some chic to these value outfits.

Classy Casual

As a supplement to an earlier style spotting post, I would like to express my own personal appeal to the blazer and t-shirt combination. From an ordinarily casual style, one can achieve instant class simply by wearing a smart jacket.

Long-sleeved striped t-shirt, Divided by H&M; black jersey blazer, Zara

During the post-Christmas sales, I was always in hope that H&M's well-fitted £50 blazers would find their way onto the sale rails at a more student-friendly price. Of course, 4 digits is all it would have taken to claim one of them as my own, but as much as I love to buy clothes, I do also like to sustain myself with a little something called food.

Blazer jacket, H&M  (Source: shop.hm.com)

So rather than forking out 3-4 week's worth of meal money, I opted instead for a super bargain from the Zara sale - a black jersey blazer priced at a reasonable £19.99. Trying it on in the store and later again at home, I found it fitted perfectly and noticed I looked a lot more suave, especially with my selection of t-shirts.

The green & white striped t-shirt featured in the above photo, for example, is one I purchased specifically to be worn with my Zara blazer. Not that the t-shirt doesn't work well by itself. And what's more, I even have a pair of stripy socks to match!

Nonetheless, it truly is astonishing what a difference a smart jacket can make to even the simplest of casual looks. Suddenly, all my t-shirts - printed, patterned and plain - have become classy when worn beneath my blazer.

And that, my dear friends and strangers, is all I will say on the matter. Yes, this personal style post has been somewhat short, but hey, what more can I say? Keep following the blog and be ready for many more personal style posts coming your way!

Ukelele player, Bournemouth

It was his music which grabbed my attention first, then his attire. I really like the

arrangement of different patterns from top to bottom.

The Native American, Poole

When I return home to Woking for the holidays, I often pass Native American
musicians playing by the town square. But while I wandered through Poole today,
I took the time to listen to their music and note their dress. With enough patience,
putting together your own costume of this colourful splendour is achievable, and
would almost certainly be a thumbs up at fancy dress parties.

Shades of black

Back in Sixth Form, my friends voiced much dislike for these sunglasses, but quite recently, friends at university actually remarked that they were cool. Even a stranger on the university bus commented they look "suave" and expressed wanting a pair for himself. Personally, what I would love is a straw boating hat to accompany them, which is the only hat I've found that suits me. Then I suppose I'll need a stripy t-shirt, pale chinos and a pair of boat shoes... Though I reckon I'll do fine without the boat.

Although only £12 from Topman, these sunglasses are still good quality and they even look great on girls too. Typical summer shades, but a trendy accessory even in winter sunshine. I love to wear them whilst taking strolls along the beach.

And that, my friends, is all I will say on my sunglasses, as I honestly cannot think of anything more to babble on about. So don't be afraid to put on your own shades when the sky is blue and sun is shining, and watch out for more personal style posts coming soon!

On the promenade, Bournemouth Beach

A generally casual style given that added flair from dark shades, a whipped-back
hairstyle, safety pin necklace and burgundy tassel loafers. For me, the sockless
look is not something which appeals to me mostly, but here it works surprisingly
well. I guess one shouldn't be afraid to go sockless when the sun is shining and the
beach looks as inviting as it was today.

Words from the author

First of all, I have to admit it's weird thinking of myself as the "author" of this blog. It makes me feel rather important and powerful, which is honestly not something I'm used to. Of course, I label myself a "fashion blogger", but giving myself a title really puts into perspective that this blog is mine, that I have responsibility for it. And when I think of that, I think of what I could achieve, and whilst it fills me with worth and a sense of ambition, it's sometimes a tad scary too.

I'll also admit I find it very difficult to pose
properly, whatever "properly" is...

But anyway, time for a little ramble...

With the blog officially reaching 4 months of activity in a few days time, I'd firstly like to thank everyone for following so far. I do hope you've enjoyed reading and viewing all my posts, and I hope you'll continue to subscribe. If you could also kindly share this blog with your friends and family, it would be sincerely appreciated. Post links on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or maybe even bring up the blog in your conversations. I see a big, bright future ahead for Unlimited by JK, but it can't be achieved without YOU, my wonderful followers, so thank you again for your support thus far.

As for me, I'm really enjoying managing this blog. The style-spotting, for example, is just fantastic. I love checking out other people's outfits during my day-to-day life, although I won't deny I'm still slightly nervous when approaching people - especially when the person I want to photograph is in a group. I reckon people feel flattered when I ask to take photos of their outfits, but if I were to single out one person in a group, I feel I'd be offending everyone else. "Excuse me, would it be okay for me to take a photo of you for my fashion blog, please? But only you, because your friends totally have no style." See? Awkward. Not that I'd say that second sentence, of course, but you get my point.

However, what I'm most enjoying is writing the personal style posts. There's a lot of freedom in blogging about what I wear and what I buy, and I love to share it with you. The only downside is that my parents will be able to find out what I've been spending with the money they give me each month, and I really do doubt they give it to me for clothes. Well, if my parents are reading this, I'm sorry and I do try to hold back, I really do. But if you've been following my Twitter posts, you'll have found out I'm a borderline shopping addict who goes through serious mental conflict when regularly browsing in stores, but not actually buying anything. I know it sounds hilarious, but it's true.

What is hilarious though is that instead of getting hooked on alcohol or drugs whilst at university, I've become hooked on clothes and blogging about them. My peers occasionally ask me how I have the time to blog so much. The answer: I have too much free time and don't go out enough. So if my university friends are reading this, which I hope they are, please get me out of my flat and into a nightclub or two!

But anyway, enough chit-chat from me. Thanks again for reading the blog. I'll have more photos and features heading your way very soon. I'll keep you posted.

T-shirt & blazer, Bournemouth University

Guys, if you're searching for an instant smart-casual style, a blazer will do the trick.

Wear it over a plain or printed t-shirt for an effortlessly cool look, as outfitted in

these photos. A smart pair of shoes will add some extra class.

Boat shoe on the bus, Bournemouth

Boat shoes may have been sailing along the fashion river for a good while now, but
it'll be another good while before they're eventually run aground. This particular
boat shoe looks great in its brown leather and suede design, contrasted stylishly
against the white rubber sole. This is the sort of boat shoe I'd like for myself.

On campus, Bournemouth University

When I spotted this guy, I actually followed him just so I could get a quick snapshot
of his beautifully original outfit. I'd love to know where he bought that denim coat,
and the giant snood finishes the look superbly.