Trailblazer

It’s interesting to me to recall how in my formative childhood years certain aspects of my preferences in life came to be in shape and form. Which paths crossed mine, and which trails did I follow with emblazoned fire? Today, I recall the path of the blazer. Not the automobile, but the classic men’s structured jacket originally associated with sportswear and possibly first designed in fiery red for Oxford and Cambridge rowers in the 19th century who set the water ‘ablaze’.

In the 1960s and 1970s this article of clothing transitioned to the women’s market and stood for a symbol of empowerment. Which, comes as no surprise to me as the middle of three girls in my family, each having our own feminist take on life, how in the early 1980s at the tender age of ten, I was introduced to my very own version of the female power jacket and instantly fell in love.

My family and I were visiting my grandmother, a devout Catholic, during Easter weekend when my history with the blazer began. Aside from her steadfast faith, my father’s mother was also an avid sewer and while I was with her that weekend she took several measurements of my body and asked me to choose two fabrics that appealed to me. To be honest, I had no idea what, if anything, she had in mind for me at the time, but she had the most fabulous collection of fabrics and material I had ever seen in my life and I was immediately enthralled by them as I pushed through the bolts.

I first remember vividly being drawn to a classic blue and white lightweight seersucker cotton, followed up by a very contrasting 1970s earthy green and brown knit print that very much resembled the pattern of every couch you have ever seen in any photo from that era. I handed her my two choices and went on my merry way.

Which brings me to this brief sidebar about making your way down your path. Rebekah Bastian, Vice President of Zillow, has authored this self-help guide titled Blaze Your Own Trail: An Interactive Guide to Navigating Life with Confidence, Solidarity and Compassion, a modern, feminist take on the classic choose-your-own-journey book, inspiring readers to embrace the fact that the only right path you take is the one you choose. It’s a great read for anyone looking for the confidence to navigate the world in their own way.

We grow up thinking that the wrong twists and turns could ruin everything. But we are way too strong for that.”

Rebekah Bastian

But, back to my grandmother. After we said our goodbyes that weekend, I never gave what had transpired with the fabrics and the measuring another thought (or the profound impact it would have on my life) until she arrived a few months later for my birthday with a brightly wrapped present and two immaculately-sewn single button blazers inside. They were tailored to fit my lithe frame to perfection and I was in love. I remember feeling both important and empowered as soon as my arms went through each sleeve.

Flash forward, again, forty years. My love (dare I say obsession) for this iconic wardrobe staple has not faded. As a Poshmark reseller, blazers are one of my favorite pieces to source. In fact, 9 times out of 10 it is the first section I will go to at the thrift store and I have sold over 150 blazers through my Poshmark closet. In my opinion, a blazer is one of the most essential closet pieces you should have in your arsenal. The blazer adds a touch of class, elegance, and can transform any outfit, making it one of the most versatile and desirable pieces you should own.

Shown here are a few of my favorite blazer thrift finds and sales from over the years.

No matter how you show up to blaze the trail that you are on, or any trail you may encounter in the future, make sure that you do it in style. Resellers, do you have a favorite clothing style to source and sell? Let me know in the comments below.

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