Number Seventy-four

The safari jacket is one of the items in The One Hundred where I thought, "Whatever, not really necessary."  I spoke too soon.  Thanks to my student worker Vanessa, I had to re-think the safari jacket.  Vanessa is an absolute doll - both inside and out.  She had decided to give herself a make-over this winter and completely changed her hairstyle, started wearing contacts, and bought herself some new clothes.  When she came in for her "reveal"  she was wearing this great khaki jacket.  At first, I thought, "Wow, that's a cute jacket."  Then I thought, "That's a REALLY cute SAFARI jacket."  Of course, I became obsessed.

I asked her where she purchased the jacket and she said, "Ross, about a month ago."  "Damn." I thought - too late.  Cute items at places like Ross and TJ Maxx don't stay around long so I knew my chances were slim to none of ever owning that jacket.  I didn't give it much thought, because while I thought the jacket was super cute, it wasn't one of those things I just had to have.  Wrong again.  She keeps wearing it and every time, I become filled with envy. 

One day while I was shopping (by the way, according to Oprah I shop more than the average married couple has sex) I found Vanessa's safari jacket at Ross.  I couldn't believe it.  It's not exactly the same as the one she has (her jacket as epaulets and mine does not - damn it again!) but I love it!  I can't wait to wear it with a skirt, capri's or jeans.

Nina references Yves Saint Laurent as the designer who put the safari jacket on the map.  Apparently there is a photograph of the model Verushka wearing the jacket with a mini-skirt and hip-slung belt that was all the rage.  I can't find that particular photo, but here's a photo of what is called the saharienne along with a young Yves Saint Laurent. (Nina says call a safari jacket a saharienne if you want to be a fashion snob.)

Again I am pleasantly surprised by the suggestions of Nina Garcia and her One Hundred.  She is right about so many things and I'm so glad to add some of these items to my wardrobe.

Number seventy-four - The Safari Jacket. Fifteen down - eighty-five to go.