New coat: what's the verdict? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

New coat: what's the verdict?

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I've purchased a coat that I definitely need feedback on. Unfortunately the style that felt best did not come in red, so I opted for the charcoal in a gorgeous wool/angora blend fabric. I understand the picture looks very dark, so I hope you can see it ok. Apparently up close you can discern flecks of white and black, but I've been told that it looks like a solid charcoal at a distance. I can get a full refund for this if you guys don't green light it. It's not a cheap purchase, so your usual candour will be much appreciated. Here it is both with and without a red scarf:

http://s709.photobucket.com/al.....8;newest=1
http://s709.photobucket.com/al.....8;newest=1

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Boof

The shape of the coat is very flattering, and I love the collar! You're right about it appearing very dark in the pictures, but it looks like a lovely coat. The red scarf looks awesome with the coat and gives a pop of color near your face. Love it!

Reva looks like she's enjoying herself!

marianna

Veteran

The picture is quite dark but it seems to look great! Did you text me this coat? If so, is it the first one you texted? The pictures you texted were a lot clearer. I think it looks quite nice and the red scarf really livens it up. And since it's a nice fabric, I'm sure it looks and feels very luxurious. Good choice!

Reva is so cute with her toy!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Marianna, yes, this is the first one I tried on and I'm pretty sure it's the first one I texted to you. Sorry this picture isn't as good!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Michele,
I might be the only one but I am not crazy about the shape. I think you could find a better shape. This coat has a kind of fit that I think works well for most :
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3050357/
It is unbelted but has a bit of an aline shape. It is not really fitted but comes in a bit at the waist. Unfortunately it does not come in red or grey, only black, camel or ivory. I do not think the one you chose is bad at all, I just think you could do better, especially if it was really expensive.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay! Michelle or Marianna, could you please post the link to the coat so that I can see the detailing?

marianna

Veteran

Michelle, I hope you don't mind -- I uploaded the picture you texted me:

http://i985.photobucket.com/al.....nnamed.jpg

marianna

Veteran

Michelle, I actually really like the red one you tried on as well. Why didn't this one work out?

I hope you don't mind if I provide the link for others to see as well?

http://i985.photobucket.com/al.....le/red.jpg

I know this one doesn't have the revere collar, but I really like it. The buttons are fun and the color is great on you.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Marianna, of course I don't mind! In fact I'm incredibly grateful! I didn't go with the red one largely because of where the pockets were placed, i.e. right on my stomach. They blend beautifully with the princess seams, which I liked, but if I put anything in the pockets like my gloves or phone they'll wind up creating buldges in unsightly places.
Now that you guys are seeing both colour options on me, would you advise me to return this grey and find a red in a shape that works? Is the red at this store one of the shades that works for me?

Misia

Veteran

Michelle - I LOVE THE RED coat on you! Its so much more fun, the color looks sooo good on you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you, Marianna!

Michelle, the red coat looks KILLER. (My post on coat fits is coming out tomorrow so hang on!) Are you able to layer underneath it? I hear you on the importance of pocket positioning. I say return the charcoal coat because I think you can do better, especially after seeing you in the red. I wish I could take you coat shopping!!!

Jean is right – the coat she posted is perfect from a silhouette point of view. (I think I posted that too in a thread for you once upon a time).

On a totally different note, this black down coat looks sensational. Fab length and perfect for a freezing Toronto:

http://www.lanebryant.com/appa...../index.pro

marianna

Veteran

Woohoo, I was right! I knew that red coat was awesome!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. It really is sounding like I should go with red, isn't it. Angie, that was another strike against the red one I'm wearing in the pic, layering was much easier under the charcoal I purchased. But I can always go back to the store and look at other red coat options, since I know there were others around. Marianna, I may be texting you again on Saturday if you're around! (explanation: once or twice I've texted Marianna a picture of what I'm wearing for some instantaneous feedback).

Angie: I'd give anything to have you come coat shopping with me! But I'm very much looking forward to your post tomorrow.

marianna

Veteran

Michelle, I will be at work on Saturday... sorry! It's a little hard to carry my phone around when I'm working retail. Sigh. We'll figure something out...

Maya

Veteran

I'm rooting for red too! Maybe not that red coat, but *a* red coat. Your whole being just lights up in it compared to charcoal.

If Marianna isn't available, you can shoot me a text and I'd be happy to give you feedback!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love this team work!

We can discuss fits further after the post.

Michelle, they looked like they had great red coats at that coat shop. Please look at the puffer I posted for you too. If you need further assistance with the description, let me know. It’s a beautiful black puffer coat. Very chic and elegant.

LoP

Veteran

The red coat is great on you. My only concern is the shoulders being a bit tight maybe but it might also be the picture.

I love the coat on the link Angie suggested. It looks like a great choice!

Boof

Ok, after seeing you in red, I definitely think the charcoal coat needs to be returned. You are stunning in red! It just lights you up! Your killer coat is out there!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the guidance, ladies!
Maya: I'm totally going to take you up on that kind offer! I'll email you later to swap details.
Angie: I already have a puffer of sorts (or at least a very warm coat) which is why I was focusing on the wool option now. A coat like that would be most versatile for my preppy Toronto lifestyle. That said...what's this LB one look like? Does there stuff ordinarily run big? Where does it hit on the model?

I've just read today's post on coat fit and wonder what exactly I'm doing wrong. I did everything suggested in the entry when I went yesterday and felt that I'd chosen an option that fit well. Am I wrong in that assessment, or does the fit look off? I fully understand people's reservations about the colour, but if I'm developing a good sense for what looks right on based on how it feels, then I'll be in better equipped to make a good choice. And Jean, I'm interested to know what it is about the shape of the coat I'm returning that didn't work for you so I can avoid the same mistake this weekend.

Thanks again, girls! I'm sorry to be so demanding.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Michelle,
The shape of the coat that you are returning is rather boxy, it does not nip in at the waist, comes straight down at the sides. The coat that I recommend is a fit and flare style. It has a tapered (not tight waist) and is fuller on the bottom. I think Angie described the style as flop proof for flattery. Hope that answers your question.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

It absolutely does; thanks Jean!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Jean! You helped out my achy wrists. Thanks Maya for offering to accept Michelle’s texted pics!

Michelle, did today’s coat fit post help? I hear you on wanting a wool coat and we’ll shoot for that pronto. Let’s see you in your own puffer too if you can manage a picture. The Lane Bryant puffer coat I linked to is on sale and it’s getting rave reviews. I can just see you in it! It hits the model just above the knee and this is the description online:

“The ultimate in winter protection, this down/feather-filled quilted maxi coat will keep you warm and stylish all season long. Accented with smocking details on the side and a smocked elasticized belt. Four front cargo pockets and a zip breast pocket. Zip-off hood with faux fur trim. Double-closure placket with zipper and snaps. Rib knit lining in the funnel collar and cuffs”.

Don’t let the cargo pockets scare you! There is plenty of vertical detailing in this coat and the belt is elasticized. I think it’s a beautiful puffer coat. Their sizes run quite big. I’d say you’re a 14/16. Marianna, what do you think? I think the next size up will be too big.

Michelle, you need a longer coat that’s a little more fitted in the waist with a revere collar, or another collar that shapes into a V. A belted style will also work! Side entry pockets, princess seams and vertical paneling are great slimming detail features.

marianna

Veteran

Hmm... I have never worn Lane Bryant but I'd probably go with the 18/20 to allow for layers. I can swing by a Lane Bryant today and try it on if they have it in store. Michelle and I seem to be about the same size. I am heading out that way anyway... to go to TJ Maxx. I'd like to check out the puffer for myself anyway.

Maya

Veteran

Michelle, I'm sending you a PM.

As to why this coat wasn't right: I don't think it was terrible, I just think you can do better. As Jean said, I don't think it had enough shape or personality to it. A coat has to really be a great statement piece, especially since you plan to wear it for years, and this just wasn't it.

Are you planning to wear the coat with skirts and dresses as well as pants? If so, I would also look for something around knee length.

The LB coat does look really nice, but I can understand why you would rather focus on a wool coat, especially if you already have a puffer. Although I can see why frigid Toronto could warrant more than one puffer. Hmmm. Tough call. Why don't you make one last coat shopping trip this weekend, and if you don't find anything, go for the LB coat?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice comments from Maya and that would be great Marianna! Have fun at TJ Maxx.

marianna

Veteran

So the Lane Bryant store that I went to didn't have that coat, but they had some short puffers that I think are styled similar to the one Angie posted. I needed a 18/20 in the coat. Sigh. Diet starts tomorrow. Haha.

I took a picture of the fit so maybe Angie can advise if you need a smaller size than me:
http://i985.photobucket.com/al.....G_2211.jpg

They had some really fun puffers but they were all short! Totally unpractical! The one Angie suggested would probably be fab. And, it's actually the same price as the short ones! Go figure. Michelle, you might want to consider it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You’re a doll, Marianna! Thanks for doing that for us and Michelle. So size 18/20 it is. And you look adorable in that short puffer! I actually like LB’s merchandise. If you mix in their pieces with higher end stuff, you’ve got a KILLER combination. I was also in Macy’s plus size department today and their frocks are sublime.

You’re right, short puffers are not warm enough. Puffers need to be long for freezing temperatures. My short puffer is not as warm as my long thick wool coat. But my knee length puffer is the warmest thing I own.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

You guys are such enablers. I really do like the sound of this coat!! And goodness knows there are days in Toronto where it would be useful, though I'm not one who's especially sensitive to cold (I prefer a brisk day to a hot one). I'll have to see if LB even ships to Canada and settle the wool coat question first. Angie, are you agreed with me that a wool coat is a crucial purchase considering my lifestyle?

And thanks, Marianna, for scoping out LB!! You're the greatest.

EDIT: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, they don't ship to Canada!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rotten luck :0(

Yes! A wool coat is a crucial purchase, Michelle.