Are you interested in vests? If the mere mention of the word conjures up a picture like this: 
Rest assured that’s not what I’m talking about! This is more of what I had in mind.
I’ll admit my love of a vest is relatively new. For awhile I think we causally dated and now I’m pushing for more of a commitment. I first became infatuated about 5 years ago when I fell hard for blogs. I read them all the time and noticed my favorite bloggers all had cargo vests. Not one to like being left out I felt the gravitational pull and became obsessed with finding just the right one. It shouldn’t have been so hard but there was a small part of me that wasn’t sure I could pull it off. The other problem was that all the vests on my favorite blogs were $$$ and I wasn’t quite ready to make the investment – heck I wasn’t even sure I’d wear it at all!
I think I am like a lot of people – the more we see of something the more we like it and want it – at least in regards to fashion. While my initial impression of a style or trend may be “NO WAY” after I see it on 5 bloggers I become a woman on a mission. I MUST OWN THAT. NOW. Are you the same way?
The first vest I found was at Macy’s in the junior’s department. I had a gut feeling it wasn’t exactly what I wanted but the price was right and I thought in time we could make the relationship work. Eventually we separated, I sold it to my local Plato’s Closet. It was at that point I learned that sometimes it’s better to just go ahead and spend a little more to get what you really want rather than buying less expensive alternatives that never quite fill the need adequately. In my case I end up spending more money.
The second vest (similar) was purchased from Nordstrom’s. I liked it and wore it quite a bit. Maybe we spent too much time together but I began to grow restless. Last year I cheated a bit. I tried on a vest at Target and felt a little something. Ultimately I left the store without it, I didn’t need the vest, I owned one already. I snapped a picture for blog purposes only. I tried putting it out of my mind. It wasn’t working, I found myself picking fights with my old vest and making cutting remarks towards it.
It was clear that action needed to be taken. Last week I was in Target and found the vest! I grabbed it and home it came with me! As soon as I got home I threw it on and guess what? I didn’t like it as well as my old one. What? Yes, the moral of the story (if there is one, who am I kidding) may be the grass isn’t always greener; love the one you’re with; the second vest is the best vest (I made that up).
So I ask you dear readers, which vest is the best? I do have a vested interest in knowing. The vest is the perfect completer piece to many a fall, winter, or spring outfit. It adds style, hides back fat and love handles, and ups the cool factor. Bottom line: it’s a fun layering piece that’s been around several seasons and it’s not going anywhere any time soon.
Here are my thoughts: the vest from Target is so well made. The fabric is thick and sturdy. It cinches at the waist. But it seems too long on me, am I crazy? Take a look at it on me:
Now take a look at my old vest: 
My old vest (similar)is lighter in weight and not as long. Is the fit better? The collar is different than the one from Target. That has me thinking, which one looks better? Here are some ways I’ve worn my vest in the past: 
Not bad, right? I mean it certainly worked in the past. But am I ready to replace it? What would you do? Do you own a vest? What’s your favorite way to wear it? Seems I’m in need of some relationship counseling so help a sister out, will you?
Now it’s time – the best time – to link up with us at The Blended Blog !
