a bit sad...returning a coat and don't have a replacement! - YouLookFab Forum

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a bit sad...returning a coat and don't have a replacement!

Mochi

Veteran

I'm returning the double-cloth metro coat I ordered last week (on sale). When it first came, I was so pleased with it. Then this morning I was actually happy when I realized it wasn't the right fit and I knew I had to send it back; I knew I deserved nothing but a great fit, and I felt empowered thinking this way. Now after going online and seeing what's out there, I'm just tired of thinking about finding another coat that's not just decent but extremely nice like this coat was...for the right person.

It was snug in the bust and exacerbated all the visual issues I have there (but I'll be dealing with that with any coat and any collar), but the J. Crew coat also really shortened my neck. Thinking back on why I was so happy with it last week, I realize that I've never owned a coat that was so well-made and nicely detailed, and that was what grabbed me. Part of me still feels like I should hold onto it; I'll never find great workmanship at this price...but it's really not a good cut for me. And the other J. Crew coats aren't going to work...perhaps Macy's will, but from my online research today, I'm not going to be in love with any of their coats. I'd like at least one coat with a color that pops and which always makes me feel my best.

I feel like just walking into my local Goodwill and just buying a $20 coat.

Sorry for the whiny post.

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from trinity

Queen Mum

Veteran

you know, grabbing a coat at Goodwill to fill a hole temporarily might not be such a bad idea. Then you can let the right coat find you at the right time and not be tempted to settle for less than perfect for you.

Isis

Veteran

Mochi, would it help to post pics? Countless times I've seen people post pictures of a "horrible fit" and the forum disagrees! If it is uncomfortable (i.e. you can't move in the coat), then it HAS to go back. But if it's an issue of a "short neck", perhaps we won't see things the same way!

In any case, there IS a coat for you out there, with fine workmanship!!!! Keep looking if this isn't the one! (but first make sure that this one isn't the one!)

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Aww ... *hug*

I was having a big debate with myself today too - came across a pair of really fab boots for really cheap (and in a colour I don't have) but I really didn't need them. Hurt much to say bye-bye, but hopefully they will make someone else very happy!

Don't go to Goodwill and buy a $20 coat (unless it's a damn fab $20 coat, then all the more power to you!) ... you'll find a jacket when you least expect it! That's where I found mine - one when I was out dress shopping with my sister and one when I was making a return!

*big hugz*

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Oh boy...I can relate.

I am pretty sure that goldenpig also bought the J Crew Metro coat, and in the end, Angie recommended she try a different style from J Crew - all based on the collar. I'll see if I can find that thread/post and put it in here.

I'm like you - I don't actually have a winter coat that fits right now. Every winter coat I own is too big for me, but in the meantime, I do have some trench coats, one of which has a nice wool liner...and so far, it's not too horribly cold yet.

Let me see if I can find that recommendation that Angie suggested for goldenpig re: which style of JCrew coat she might try.

Mochi

Veteran

Hi, Isis. At the moment I have only a poor iphone camera...I could get a pic up there but in this case, I am really sure the fit is not good. Thank you for the encouragement though! QM's advice is also good. I think I'll peep in on the thrift store tomorrow for a possible "gap coat" (not a Gap coat).

Queen Mum

Veteran

I just meant get a coat at Goodwill if you're freezing and needing a coat today.. and then yes, like Lyn said, you'll find the right one when you least expect it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rotten luck, Mochi. The high collar on the metro is not a slam dunk and can be tricky to wear. May I suggest these Talbots coats? Your full bust needs something with a much lower neckline and revere collar:

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat70010

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat90030

And I suggested this style before. I'm not sure whether the actual fit will work, but the silhouette is super for your body type:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../49715.jsp

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think that Metro coat looks fab on women who are relatively small busted and long necked.

But Isis is right: pics are really helpful! Pics tell a story, sometimes a different one than the one the mirror is telling you.

I applaud you for holding out for the RIGHT coat. You WILL find it.

And I sympathise with your feelings of exhaustion and discouragement. It is hard not to have a great coat with winter on its way.

The Goodwill solution might not be a bad solution, for now. Just don't let yourself "settle" without continuing to look for THE coat. Know what I mean?

You will have energy for looking again in a few days, when the disappointment fades. Right now it is fresh and you are tired. Hang in there!

Mochi

Veteran

Awww, thanks also to lyn and VC. I'm in Boston and today was unseasonably balmy, but the cold could strike any time! I'll keep up the search. Dang, I want everything I own to be something I'm madly in love with now! And it's a coat I really need, even if I've been posting pics of handbags today. Priorities, Mochi!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Angie beat me to it...it was the Plaza coat from J Crew that might be a bit better in terms of neckline/collar.

I can personally vouch for the Talbots coat Angie linked to as being flattering on a plump-ish, hour-glass-ish me. They are having a sale right now - the second coat that Angie linked to is already on sale, and if you add the additional 30% off - the tweed version is around $150-ish. A very good deal. I tried the red chateau plush coat on in store, and it was slimming, stylish and beautiful - just wasn't quite the right colour for me.

I have since ordered the blue/teal tweed. That one's not in my local store, but since I already tried on the chateau coat, I know I like the style on me.

Claudia

Veteran

I just received an email from Talbots stating that one full priced item can be had for 50% off tomorrow.

Mochi

Veteran

Wow, as I'm posting one thing, a bunch of excellent follow-ups keep coming through! Thanks once again, Angie--there's a brick and mortar Talbots near me and I'll go there and try a few on. I did see that other J. Crew coat. The problem is with that upper insert pocket--my bustline will end right on top of it. It's just so discouraging and so hard to find a coat with minimal or no embellishment (which I happen to like, and wish worked for me).

But anyway, I'm sure I can find something that will work for me this season, and maybe next year it'll be easier.

Claudia

Veteran

Mochi, the 50% off is only online for Cyber Monday according to the email and only valid between 6:00 am and 2 pm. Free shipping. In case the code isn't on their site, it is FIFTY.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hugs Mochi! I am in the same boat. The metro coat wasn't the right one for me either. I have a J Crew Plaza coat on order, the one she linked above (Angie recommended I try that instead). I agree, don't settle. If you don't feel like the coat is right, keep looking. If you need one now, Goodwill might be a good option but if you have a little time, try the Plaza coat or the Talbot's coats that Angie suggested.

I too am guilty of wanting to fill my wardrobe holes RIGHT AWAY! I tend to try to use brute force and order a bunch of clothes to try to find exactly the right one for me and then return a bunch of losers. (Keep an eye out for my bunch of Keep or Returns coats and boots next week, haha). I need to learn patience, LOL!

But you are right to be picky and not settle. You will find exactly the right coat for you. Don't worry, there are plenty of nice coats with nice workmanship to be had, with just the right style for you. Your perfect coat is out there and you will find it someday!

Mochi

Veteran

Feeling much better, so many thx, everyone! And it's going to be warm here at least thru mid-week

I totally relate, goldenpig. Worse, when I get into something, I get really OCD about it and it's hard to let everything not be immediately perfect. I've come a long way in a brief amount of time....just the coat, you know...gotta be ready for winter, but not contribute more drab color to the long New England winter if I can avoid it.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Great tip Claudia.

The chateau coat is really nice. Plush, soft, and nicely tailored.

You deserve a nice winter coat this year Mochi. I hope you can get to the bricks/mortar store to try on to figure out size, and if you don't get what you want in store, rush on back home and order online and get the sale price.

Another tip from my Talbots coat-trying-on session two weeks ago - I also tried on their Plush Balmacaan coat:

http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat70008

Beautiful coat, but the pocket placement wasn't so flattering on my still-plump midsection. Fabulous coat, but not quite the right shape for me. The Chateau coat was lovely. Different shape.

Good luck with your coat search. You *must* have a nice coat for winter. Especially on the East Coast.

Even if you lose weight, think how wonderful it will be to give away a lovely coat next year to someone who'll really appreciate it.

Dashrashi

Veteran

I don't know if you're a fan of red, but I am kind-of sort-of in love with this coat at Macy's:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....6spc%3D115
I just deeply love a black coat, so I ended up going for the black, but this is an extremely flattering item on me. I couldn't wear this coat (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_sp...../31410.jsp) from J. Crew because of the pockets on the bust, so I feel your pain on the Plaza coat. The red of the AK is a neutral-toned dark-ish, slightly subdued red--not bright-bright lipstick red. I don't wear a lot of red but I still almost went for it. It really is lovely. And I love the trapunto detailing at the pockets and the half-belt in the back. The best thing about this coat, though, I think, is how flattering it is because all the seams are vertical (yay princess coat) and the way the collar balances a larger bust without exaggerating it (getting this balance right, even with the right neckline, is evidently very challenging). Anyway, I highly recommend it--and the price is significantly less than I would have paid for it, as an added bonus.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Just got to say that the commentariat on this thread ROCKS. I want to hug all of you for being so kind, helpful and compassionate to Mochi.

Mochi, the upper welted pocket could end right above the bust line, which makes it ideal.

I have a good feeling about Talbots. I know that coat well and VC also just gave it her seal of approval

YES!! I was just going to recommend the Anne Klein coat from Macys too!! Thanks Dash! It's a killer coat for a shorter lady with a full bust.

Mochi

Veteran

Thanks, Dashrashi. I forgot to mention also that I'm a petite, so if the sleeves and other details work for me, that IS a smashing coat.

Edit: EVERYONE here is so kind to EVERYONE. Angie, I will stop in on Talbots tomorrow. I'm glad I'm returning the metro coat. It needs the right home and I know there will be something out there for me...I'll let you all know when I find something. Thank you, very sincerely!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hah! We posted at the same time.

Mochi

Veteran

Yes, I'm Queen of the cross-post, Angie

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I am going to blame Dashrashi if I end up with two coats. I *love* the looks of that Anne Klein coat too.

Dashrashi

Veteran

It's cheap(ish)!

I'm 5'4" with short arms and the length worked on me, for what it's worth. (And I sized down, as I often do in coats, since I think they only look good if they fit rather trimly. I usually take a 4 or a 6 at places like Anthro, JC (sometimes a 2 but not lately, whee), Banana, etc. and in the AK coat I took a 4 rather than a 6, and I could still fit a suit jacket under it relatively easily.)

trinity

I shopped online today for a red coat and had saved a few finds including the same coat mentioned here at Macy's but I found it on the Dillard's website. This was just the information I needed (I'm shorter and busty) to order the coat. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful information that's share here.