when a much beloved clothing line branches out, i’m always a little nervous.  the potential for greatness is there, clearly, but sometimes it’s best to stick with what you know.

fortunately, james jeans’ foray into knitwear is definitely in keeping with its stellar reputation in the designer denim world.  the pieces are well thought out, beautifully designed and actually unique – a triple-threat that’s hard to come by in a world often overpopulated by gorgeous knits.

a very dear, and highly fashionable friend of mine (hi, H) has a jacket strikingly similar to this, which i always assume to be chanel.  i’ve seen her wear it with jeans and with a cocktail dress, and look fabulous each and every time.   to me, it exemplifies the reality that buying a truly classic piece is worth the investment – H has most definitely gotten her money back from that gorgeous jacket, no matter what she paid.  this style from james comes in cream and navy, and is just $350 – a fraction of what the chanel version would set you back.  it also comes in a longer version and, while i love both, the cropped style is more chic, more young, and certainly more timeless.  coco would be proud.

one of the biggest potential pitfalls of a classic trench is that the fabric can be a little bulky, and therefore not all that flattering.  james has taken on the classic silhouette, but updated it in a gorgeous, heavy knit available in either navy or red ($462).  the result is incredibly flattering,  and the ultimate jacket for spring and fall.  the detail on this piece is fantastic, and taken straight from the best trenches out there.  the hook closures at the neck, the foldover flap at the breast, and even the front slash pockets – all are a perfect recreation of the classic trench.  this one also comes in a cropped version, which has been slightly retooled to give it a stronger military vibe (front patch pockets, and a wider top placket) – it’s a fantastic way to add a little structure to your style this fall.

check out the entire line at james jeans’ website, and pick up your favorite now – i’m guessing this collection will be gone in a flash.

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