I Could Make This.

BODE edition

Current Open Tabs Count. 114

UPDATE: I have purchased a jacket. I have purchased buttons from Etsy; it turns out 15mm is about the right size. I have laid out the design on tracing paper, and now it is time to start sewing.

My sourcing lately has been heavy. We’ve got Greek oregano, mid-century console tables, decorative mouldings, because why not start making my own frames? Which leads me to this week…

Leandra Medine Cohen in Bode Blazing Flora Wool Jacket

I’ve been a notorious safety pin, scissors, done sort of girl. Starting as far back as I can remember, I cut t-shirts into halter tops, wore skirts as dresses with ribbon neck-ties looped through safety pins, and cut my pants to length. At this point in my life, I tend to rely on a good tailor for hemming and sizing, but I still have that scrappiness in me. To that point, I think I could riff on this jacket that isn’t available anymore. This is what I’m thinking:

1. Gather Inspiration

   

   

   Check out the Pearly Kings & Queens of London for their history as adorners in London.

2. Purchase Buttons

   

   

   Whether silver, mother-of-pearl, vintage, new, shanked, 2-button or 4, they are all a vibe.

I guesstimated the button size around 25mm / 1in. I love some silver options, like these and these. I could also easily go into mother-of-pearl shell options like these and these, which are vintage, or these from Amazon. There is a ton of character in the more quirky vintage buttons.

3. Source a Jacket

REFORMATION | Owen Jacket

I did a lot of searching for a double-faced wool jacket. For this one, I would definitely swap out the buttons for ones that match the embellishment and make them a part of the overall design.

ARKET | Doublé Wool-Blend Overshirt

The color is fantastic. With a collar, there is even more possibility with the finished pattern. Arket is so solid.

SÈZANE | Mia Jacket

Sèzane has great jackets. I live in my trench in the spring and fall. They are a great quality for the price. I love the idea of Max Mara look-alike camel with white buttons.

MANGO | Wool Jacket with Pockets

I just want to own this jacket. It could be very cute with the front design just existing on the pocket flaps.

COS | A Line Trench Jacket Beige

I’m also considering doing up a cropped trench. It would be so unexpected and I could wear it through all the seasons. Is this insane?

4. Do The Thing

The next step is pulling everything together and start mapping out a design. I'll post updates as I go. Wish me luck. And drop me a line if you want to join me on this journey. Everything is better with a friend.