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Coats are overwhelming me

Maya

Veteran

Living in a 4 season climate means I have to have a lot more outerwear than people in other climates probably need. It's getting kind of frustrating. I think I'm ok for fall and spring, but with the temperatures dropping I'm in a panic. I have had to replace 2 of my coats for a while but haven't had the money to do so. Now it looks like I might be replacing my puffer as well, even though I only got it last season!

For late fall/winter/early spring I have 3 coats:

-Shorter wool coat for mild days towards the beginning and end of the cold season, when it's not below freezing.
-Long wool coat that can be worn when it's below freezing, but not when it's snowing or bitterly cold.
-Puffer for when it's absolutely freezing and foul weather

Most of my winter was spent in my puffer. I have a problem with it though: it doesn't quite reach my knees. I have had it for less than a year so it seems insane to get a new one, but I wish I had considered that before buying it.

However, I also wore my longer wool coat frequently, but it's really just getting too small. It has been for a while but I didn't have the money to replace it.

The short coat, OTOH, has always felt too BIG. I just ordered two coats to try as replacements because this is the coat I need now. I'm second guessing myself though, because it just occurred to me that neither of the coats I bought are going to work with dresses. The one I have now doesn't either, but in the past I never really wore dresses.

I just don't know what to replace first, or what to replace it with. I think I can hold off on replacing the longer wool coat. The puffer I could have possibly held off on if those stupid OTK boots worked out and gave me some respite. Now I'm not sure. Help

Shopping

58 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Anonymous

Maya - I think it's getting really cold really fast in these parts. Are you sure you can get a lot of use out of the shorter wool coat now? Personally, I would hold off on replacing the shorter wool coat at this time and start by replacing either the longer wool coat or the puffer.

I have the exact same situation with my one puffer (I bought it last winter, it's about 3 inches above my knees arrghhh). I've decided to replace it ASAP. I can still wear the other one with pants so is not a waste:)

Lisa

Veteran

It gets really cold in NYC really fast. I would go for replacing the puffer first, a proper length puffer will get a lot of use with an on foot commute. Then I would consider replacing the long wool coat for the "not quite puffer" weather. Often the non puffer weather are rainy days anyway and I'm not sure what you are wearing for those, I default to my trench on cold rainy days and just wear the same trench on non rainy days for now.

I'm in the same boat as you, I have coats but they are not quite "right" I have on short puffer which I wear to the gym in the am and a gear style jacket similar to a ski jacket. I have two long wool coats for weekdays. I have found shorter wool coats (and shorter coats in general) not very helpful since they leave legs and bum exposed to the elements. That's a lot of uncovered areas for colder weather.

Sarah

Veteran

I can just share my experience and maybe that will help. I have lived for more than 10 years in Colorado. When it gets cold--it's really cold! For most of those years I just would not break down and buy the necessary cold weather wear. Why? I can't even answer that question--most probably denial. Anyway, 2-3 years ago I started buying fashionable winter wear--I started with snow boots and worked my way up to my first puffer coat last year. Finally I am comfortable in all the seasons!
Maybe you can find the right puffer in a fun new color and have a choice when it's cold!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

As you revamped your boot collection this year, you need to revamp your coat collection, Maya.

You need a killer knee-length-ish wool coat. Unlike you, I think that's the priority. And eventually a longer puffer which you can get after the 26th Dec. Your trenches are sorted. If money permits a shorter wool coat too.

The coat sales are incredible at the moment. And so much style and colour variation. My word! That's why you are overwhelmed

Maya

Veteran

I don't think i need to replace the puffer now. It's not going to be puffer weather until January.

Even now it's only really cold in the morning. A long wool coat would be a bit much for 50 degrees. I usually warm up quickly after walking for a few minutes.

Right now I think maybe what I need is a knee length coat that is somewhere between a wool coat and a trench. A wool blend without too much wool, I guess. I have been wearing my H&M trench coat which is NOT warm enough.

Since I have to replace all 3 pretty much at the same time, I can't spend too much. I was hoping the sale at Nordies would help with that but nothing good is on sale. This one is TDF but ugh, the price tag is sickening:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=895

There are so many coats now which are mid thigh or not quite knee length. It's sooo frustrating!

Lisa

Veteran

Lord and Taylor has a nice coat sale going on right now. I plan to check it out tomorrow if I can squeeze some time.

The patchwork coat is only $98?

Maya

Veteran

Oh, I linked to the wrong one. THIS is the fab coat with the sickening price tag.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=5073

Sparky

Veteran

"Right now I think maybe what I need is a knee length coat that is somewhere between a wool coat and a trench."

What about a trench coat with a removable liner? I adore my MK trench from NAS and am wearing it all. the. time. There are tons of trenches out there that could fit your style and practical needs, and I think quite a few have this kind of liner. Or do you already have one of these?

Steph

Veteran

Maya, I LOVE that coat! I often wear my knee-length wool coat with jeans and other more casual garb and I think it looks totally fine (I actually like that it adds some polish). So maybe if you got the coat you posted you could forgo a short coat and justify the price?

bella

(website)

Veteran

Agreed, it is already almost too cold to wear trench coats. I can't believe how short trench season is in our neck of the woods.
The coat you posted is beautiful Maya. Old Navy has an outerwear sale, do you think some of these might work for you?
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=794176032
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....pid=789249
Old Navy has always some coupons so maybe you could also buy a puffer:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....pid=794151

Megan

I ordered the first coat the Bella linked to in Fuschia - it's at April's house right now- she assures me that the colour is pretty!

Maya

Veteran

I'm so mixed up right now it's insane. This is going to be a rambly, confused post, but I swear I'm in my senses...

I have no idea what to wear for this weather. Yes, it's cold in the morning, but it's not cold by midday, and I don't think I run as cold as some of you do.

What I think is most practical, which is a short coat with some weight to it, is not practical from a style point of view because I can only wear it with pants. I have a very old camel coat (yes, camel) that comes close in terms of appropriateness. It has a wooly feel and thickness to it, but it's actually cotton, so it's not as warm as wool which would be too hot for me right now.

But a) it's too short and b) is too...camel.

So, something with that kind of weight and material, but knee length and in a better color, is ideal. But it's sooo hard to find. "In between" coats tend to be short. And black. Black coat + gray and white kitty is a disastrous mix.

But maybe I just need to suffer a little while in my thin cotton spring trench and look for a long wool coat instead, as Angie mentioned. Hence posting the Miss Sixty coat. But now i realize even that is too short. 33 inches? I have no idea who designers design for anymore. I'm only 5'2. I should not have a problem getting enough length on my coats! How can they completely overlook the functional purpose of a coat?

Grr.

Oh Angie, if ever there was a time where I wanted to hire you.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

One, I have a wool blend Miss Sixty coat, and personally I don't think it's warm enough. I only wear when going out when I'm dressed up and it's straight from the car to destination.
Two, have you checked bluefly.com? They often have good deals on coats. Also Overstock and Smart Bargains.

Megan

Maya, could you buy a long wool cardigan to wear under your spring trench? Then you could take off a layer as necessary. That's what I do here in Sydney where I mostly need just a light coat but we do have a few days that are below freezing in the morning/evening.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Maya,
It's not online, oddly, but there is a BP. coat that I think would fit the bill. It comes in a million colors, and while it is wool it's thinner. Also it's long and you could wear it with dresses (as long as you don't mind your dresses hanging longer than your coat.) Darn, I wish it were online so I could post a pic. If interested, I can find it at Nordies and take a pic with my camera phone.

This isn't the one I was thinking of, but do you like this (it comes in millions of colors as well):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3032772
It's junior's sizing, so you'd probably want a Medium?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm going to make it very easy for you. Like I mentioned in my first comment:

o Get a wool coat first – dress length
o Get a puffer next – after Xmas
o Get a short wool coat last

No need to over think this, Maya. You have homework and I expect you report back with your findings very soon!

Maya

Veteran

Angie,

What should I wear in the meantime then?

That's my only question.

Jenava, that coat is adorable and I LOVE the colors...but it also looks too short

Do you know if the one you're talking about is longer? Brand? I can look for it tomorrow.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya. Wear your grey long coat and the red short coat that you have - I have seen them both over the years. Or have you tossed them?

Maya

Veteran

I don't have a gray long coat...?

Or do you mean the herringbone one I'm trying to replace?

It's still too warm for those. But too cold for my thin cotton trench.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

WHA???? The otk boots *didn't* work out? I thought you were settled on them!
Ok, here's my thinking. You wear a lot of dresses in autumn and winter too, right? How likely is it that you'd be wearing a dress when it's bitterly cold puffer weather? If you're anything like me, not that likely at all. I say replace the long wool coat.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes, the herringbone coat with the fringe. Layer less underneath them. And it will soon be cold enough for them - I think ?

Or your black and grey moto jackets with scarves.

Maya

Veteran

I actually do wear dresses in the winter Michelle. With legwarmers

And yes, my fussy feet struck again. I'm the only one on the planet who can't wear those boots. EVERYONE...all the reviewers, all of Angie's clients, and Angie herself have loved them and found them comfy. But me? No. I have the wounds to prove it.

I think I have a different thermostat than you Angie. 50's is still way too warm for heavy wool, at least for me.

I guess I can just wear my trench and layer a lot.

Anna, I have looked at Bluefly but most of them are still too expensive, not in my size, or only come in black.

Steph

Veteran

Maya, I am totally with you on the internal temperature and agree that I haven't pulled out my wool coats at all. Could you get away with a heavy blazer? Maybe something like corduroy? Or would that be too lightweight for you.

The past week has been chillier here--in the 50s--and I have been wearing this Steve Madden, which keeps me plenty warm: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....tback=1853

I think if I were you, in your position, I would try to find something like my Steve Madden jacket for the current temperatures (just because I think that kind of jacket can go across a broader range of temperatures than a wool coat), get the Miss Sixty coat for the cooler temperatures that are coming up and wear that with both pants and dresses, and then consider a puffer (although maybe I run really warm, because I have never had a puffer in NY, and although I get cold sometimes in my wool coat, it isn't unbearable).

Maya

Veteran

You might have something there Steph!

I think the reason I can't wear my faux leather jacket is because it's cropped and I don't wear it closed. Perhaps I need something like what April is looking for and what you have (which is really cute).

Hmmm, you might be the winner for this challenge.

Maya

Veteran

Oh man, I wish I got this during NAS. Certainly would have been a better use of my money than those blasted boots.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....viewAnchor

I found what looks to be a very similar version here. But it doesn't seem to have the inset turtleneck thing. I have never heard of Bonton before. Has anyone ever ordered from there?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya, wear a scarf with both your biker jackets with hose, legwarmers and boots. It was 55 in Seattle today and that's what I did - I was commuting outside.

Steph, you run very warm!

Steph

Veteran

Ha, Angie! Whenever I see your posts about the weather and your coats I think "Angie runs REALLY cold!"

Maya, I do think that getting a faux leather jacket that you can zip closed is key to getting through the current temperatures. I can't remember--if you go into Nordstrom or call them, can they look up their inventory in stores across the country and let you know if it's available anywhere? Maybe you'll get lucky. I have never used Bonton, and wouldn't be surprised if it was the same exact coat. Their description is pretty bare.

Sparky

Veteran

Maya, that CK coat you linked to was available in all sizes at my local Nordstrom on the first day of the sale. They had tons of them on a rack so I'd think they would still have some left. Do you want me to call the store tomorrow to see if they have your size? If so, let me know what size you would take.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Maya, I have no idea if the BP. one is longer...I'm going to guess maybe a tiny bit, but not much. It probably hits lower thigh.

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