Advice -Coat Search - YouLookFab Forum

I need at least two coats this year. I need to replace my puffer, and I need a watch tench like fall jacket. I am also considering a transitional jacket between the two. Body changes have exacerbated the need.

I have tried to go t the store near me twice to try them on. The quality is simply not there unless I want to buy from Lands End. I was looking for something a bit drissier, but i may end up there for my puffer as their puffers go to -45F which I need in the dead of winter.

The Macy's by me, which the nicest department store in my state, carries almost nothing in my size or in brands I want try on.

I feel guilty ordering from Nordies as I do not know my fit in different brands, and coats are expensive to ship. And they are hard for me to fit. Very hard. i tried over 15 at Talbots last year, and kept none of them. And I can't drive 3+ hours one way to get to one of their stores with a toddler in the house.

Wondering if I should just wait it out and see if more comes into Macy's. or if there are other brands I should check out (I have been eyeing up Ralph Lauren, Gallery and Kristen Blake). If I could afford Fluerette, I would just go for that.

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

Sounds like you need to go to Chicago for a hardcore coat coat search. Is there a Bon Ton/Younkers/Parisian nearby? You can order online and return to the store.

DonnaF

If you phone or instant message Nordies online or any other online merchant, they can usually give you measurements. It's a poor substitute for trying on in person, but maybe you can winnow out a few that way. IIRC, Lands End has started to sell dressier coats but I don't know if any would be appropriate for your climate. I rarely wear a coat in my climate, mostly because I rarely wear dresses, but there's a plum trench at Nordstrom I really want. . .and I think I will spring for it if it is ever marked down by 50 - 60% because even at 40% I can't justify it.

It sounds like you never travel for business and don't have an upcoming social/family trip out of town? So often stuff shows up in places that aren't our usual haunts.

velvetychocolate

While I don't have specific suggestions for where to look for your winter coat needs, I wanted to say that most of the coats start appearing in stores in late October. From what I remember, Angie will post a fantastic 'coat' post with all of her picks from across the spectrum sometime in October.

It's a little bit early to be looking for coats just yet, though I can understand wanting to get it taken care of before the weather turns weird.

In my experience, Macy's is pretty amazing on the coat front. Granted, you can't always try everything on 'in store' that might be on their website, but they do have a great coat selection and some nice sales starting October and continuing on through Black Friday sales. In terms of puffer coats - I'd vote for either Eddie Bauer or Land's End - and they *also* have amazing deals during the Black Friday/post-Thanksgiving sales.

While I'm not sure about sizing, I am thinking that J Crew's "Lady Day Coat" might be ideal for a proper winter coat for you. I've had the J. Crew "Lady Day Coat" on my list for a very long time. Like you, I also need a proper winter coat - I have several trenches and one somewhat decent Talbots teal tweed-ish looking thing, but not a serious winter coat yet that actually fits me.

Meanwhile, you might consider:

Puffer: Eddie Bauer, Land's End, possibly Macy's
Wool Winter Coat: Macy's, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Burlington Coat Factory, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers.

In fact, take a look at Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers sites this weekend, because a lot of retailers have some great sales going on this Labour Day weekend. If winter coats aren't exactly 'on sale' yet - they *will be* by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

Also - you *must* try an Ellen Tracy Angora A-line winter coat and see if it's right for your style and if you like the fit.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....ker?ID=839

The price will drop during October and on through the Thanksgiving sales. The Ellen Tracy A-line coat is *fab*. I don't have one yet! I missed out on it a couple of years ago, and am *still* stalking it! I am not sure if you would rather a plus size or regular size, but I wanted to say that I can vouch for this particular coat being totally fab. It might look a teensy bit frumpy in catalogue or website photos, but I can tell you - it's not frumpy at all. Just amazingly slouchy and very stylish, imo. Very well made and flattering. If you can get your hands on one of these Ellen Tracy winter coats - you're set!

Pawprints

Active Member

I wonder if it's possible to work with a Nordies personal shopper by phone, providing the measurements of the coats that come closest to fitting now, and your needs and style preferences. If they will provide measurements on garments before you order, maybe they would take this one step further and do some weeding and recommending for you.

I'll echo that LE carries some nicer coats these days. I don't know about this season or what's available this early. But in your climate you need them early. You might try other brands, too, that you wouldn't necessarily order other things from. I've found nice, quality, unfrumpy coat options on the past on a wide range of sizes from LLBean and Eddie Bauer. They aren't cutting edge fashion, but have a contemporary as well as classic feel (in some styles in the past) in addition to a concern for quality. It might be worth a peek if you get stuck.

I just wanted to add: keep your eyes peeled for Ellen Tracy coats on the Nordstrom site starting in about October. I have a good feeling this brand/designer will work well for you, and they are very nice and cozy coats.

I found one I loved about two years ago at Nordstrom Rack, but needed a size smaller. The SA offered to track one down for me, and I didn't go for it. I am *still* regretting it! From my experience, this brand's coats run large...so even if you normally take whatever size or sometimes a plus size, you will be able to fit into a size or two smaller than your norm in Ellen Tracy's beautiful winter coats. Keep your eyes open for this brand - nice coats!

lyn*

(website)

I have no advice for you, just wanted to share commiseration. *hugs*

Firecracker (Sharan)

Do you sew?

If you do, you could try making one. They're not as hard as you might think. A coat is like a long shirt, with a lining.

Suz

I am sad that I have no good advice for you. But I know that even around here (the frozen wastelands of the north) we don't really see winter coats hitting the stores until at least mid-September to late September. Trenches, maybe...I haven't looked for one in a while in the autumn, so I'm not completely sure about that.

I really like the idea of finding a stylist to work with on measurements and such. It wouldn't be a solution, but as others have said, you could instantly rule a few things out.

For now I will cross fingers that warmer weather holds until you locate the dream coat. And will you please do the same for me, about my impossible to fit and find tall boots? Thank you.

Debbie

I have no advice either and I know you are not near a Nordstroms Rack but when I was in there today I did see a rack of coats. Which struck me as funny since it is still above 100 degrees here. If you find something on line at Nordstroms I would be happy to go and take the measurements for you.
Good luck!

Beth Ann

I love my Eddie Bauer puffer. I'm also "in the market" and, although we're shaped differently, we're near the same size. I'll report in if I find a deal!

Category