Cocoon coat and parka questions - YouLookFab Forum

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Cocoon coat and parka questions

viva

Veteran

Hey everyone,

Sorry I've been absent. I'm going to read and comment on others' posts after posting this. I've been absent because ... (1) I've been working like a maniac, (2) Work has made it impossible to think about clothing, and (3) my new hair color has thrown me for a loop - suddenly I am drawn to more feminine silhouettes and neutrals. Who knew?

So ... you may know I have been on a coat hunt this year. (Haha, I am sure you're quite sick of it.) Here's the status.

Wool coat: I purchased a JCrew Factory Cocoon coat in Heather Cloud (Find below). Incredibly cheap - less than $100 with all the discounts. It's fine. But a coat I have been spying is now 25% off -- the Weekend MaxMara below. To me, it's potentially much more sophisticated (and warmer?). Should I order?

Parka/puffer: I could use one. I am obsessing over the parka-of-the-moment (cue memories of junior high): the utility green parka with the fur/faux fur trim. We called these "snorkel jackets" in the 70s (but they were much cheaper and had bright orange lining. I especially love the more upscale ones that are likely warmer and have a sleeker look. Are these worth the price, or are they too trendy? Shopbop is 25% off right now.

Oh wise ones, please weigh in.

Factory city coat

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Saks Fifth Avenue

Weekend Max Mara Ragni Wool Coat

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Down Parka with Fur Border

$723.00 $361.50

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Womens Aviation N3-B Faux Fur Parka

$445.00 $222.50

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18 replies

Latest reply was from rabbit

rabbit

Veteran

Coat shopping is hard! I feel you.

Since the main difference between the cocoon coats is color, it really depends what works best with your complexion and bottom wear/shoes. Is there any way to test them both?

I don't know enough to judge on the parka of the moment. I think the fuzzy hood look goes great with short hair and long necks. I've seen rows of inexpensive variants on that look at Ross and Marshalls in the juniors section this week, so would that be a plus or minus or neutral if it was mass-market saturated?

ETA: Also I'd be tempted to look for a gear version of the parka, just because the performance would probably be better (at that or a lower price) and it might be possible to get a very very similar look.

Carole

Veteran

Wow, that second coat has your name written all over it....I can so see you in it right this very minute!

The parkas looks so much like one I purchased a few years back at Eddie Bauer...I think it was an Angie recommendation and has a fur edge to the hood that can be removed. I LOVE my coat and from the look of the other price tags, mine was a bargain. The color is similar not so much an army green though. I'll see if I can find a link to mine....

Carole

Veteran

http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod.....;color=526

Here's the coat!

viva

Veteran

Thanks Rabbit, and Carole. I think you both might be right -- about looking for another version of the jacket (the Eddie Bauer is a good start). It's probably not necessary to spend so much, especially since they are everywhere, and I really do need warmth.

Rabbit, I think the second wool coat is more than just a different color. Small differences, maybe, but the zipper is off-center, the collar is higher and larger, and when it's open it really swings, which makes me feel that overall it's somewhat roomier and has a different look/feel. Still, I guess I wonder if the difference is enough. I may order just to try. It's significantly more costly, but I was anticipating investing in a coat this year.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the MaxMara coat and I am sure the quality puts the J. Crew factory coat to shame, but it all comes down to whether you want to splurge or not and how that shade of camel looks on you. Can you try and return if it does not work?

Ha! Now I know why I, too, have been strangely attracted to the utility green puffer. I remember those orange linings...OY! But. I digress. I am not buying one of these for myself because most shades of olive make me look like the undead. I do think rabbit raises a good point about oversaturation of this particular colour/ style combo. Do you want to look like everybody's teenage niece? That is the question. However, I fully support the purchase of a puffer for anyone who lives in Maine and if this is the type you want, go for it!

P.S. Did you know I got (and love) my new Orb bag? It really is "revolution army" in the sunlight (i.e. dark olive green) but since I am not wearing it near my face, no problem. Also, in different lights it looks dark taupe or taupey brown. Works beautifully for me. Love it!

Anonymous

Well you know I can't NOT say anything to this Nice to see /hear/read you again - hope all is well in Stephen King land. A Max Mara coat should never be passed up - and this one hits it for quality and current shape. Can you wear camel well ? That stand collar is gorgeous. I like the JCrew one too, for that matter but if you have to choose - go MM. Or keep both

Re: the parka - they are so ubiquitous in army green here among the 13-22 year old set. It's a function of our climate and market I think plus the fact that all the chains like American Eagle, Aritizia and Urban Outfitters sell them. I I love them too, but couldn't go there now without an "adult" upgrade, which is what you have posted here. Like them both. I have one picked out from SAM (google them) for roughly that price too. How do you feel about real fur for the hood trim? (I emailed SAM to find out how they source the fur to assuage my conscience).

viva

Veteran

Well, I ordered the MaxMara to try. I can always return it. I don't know if I want to splurge or not, but I am willing to splurge if I love it. I just don't love the JCrew -- I like it. I kept it because it fit and was so inexpensive. But I'd really like to love my coat, if I can, so it's worth one more try ... although this may be the last one. (This will be the 6th I've ordered. Ugh.)

And on the parka, well, Suz, you know how to hurt a gal: Do you want to look like everybody's teenage niece? Uh, that would be no.

viva

Veteran

Oh, yikes, the SAM coats are nice but even more expensive, Lisa! Those are for sure out of my price range. (ETA: This is based on finding a SAM fur trimmed parka online at Barneys for $995.)

And yeah, the fur thing. I have never owned any fur before and would rather have really good quality faux just to avoid the whole question, frankly. If I were to do a parka, I would have to upgrade to avoid the teen lookalike thing Suz accused me of. (haha) But, if I keep the MM wool coat, I will not also be able to do the nicer parka. So we'll have to see what happens with the wool.

Why can't I just have piles of money????

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh no! Actually, you could never look like everybody's teenage niece because you are far prettier than most. Plus, you know, you are you!

In all seriousness, if the quality is there, a coat like this could be stunning on you. And I am assuming at that price point, the quality is high. So I would order these also to try.

Anonymous

Well, hey, the first parka pic you posted is $750 - and the one I have my eye on is not much more than that. I can't really afford it either, but......oh my god it fit so well and looked like dynamite on. And I can wear it for 4 months of the year a couple of times a week for say 6 years.....cpw is acceptable. And your $750 one also has raccoon trim. Just sayin'....

Anyways,hold out for a trip to Massimo Dutti. And check out Mackage coats on line. There is one there I love right now too.

Anonymous

Scratch Mackage. Prices are too high - I was thinking of another line. I'm going to do some digging for you tomorrow .....

viva

Veteran

Lisap: I know, I know, about the raccoon. But on price, that $750 one is 25% off right now. Still pricey but a bit better, right? (Thank god DH does not read this forum is all I can say.)

viva

Veteran

RE: Massimo Dutti, I am blocks away right now in NYC! Leaving tomorrow morning early on the train -- was not able to get there after work finished up today. So, so sad.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Massimo Dutti will deliver!!

Listen, I am seriously on board with "investing" in coats for our climate.

And I truly think any of these could look amazing on you.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the Max Mara, and I'm glad you ordered it to try. If the color works, I imagine it will be utterly fab on you.
If I lived in Maine, I'd want the down-filled version of the military-style parka. I like the rugged yet fairly slim style and the fur trim on the hood adds a pretty frame for your face!

p.s. another thought: if you could sell your J.Crew coat on eBay, would it help enough to allow the purchase of both coats?

bj1111

Veteran

Max Mara hands down... Glad you ordered . Love the details ...off center zip, wider pocket placement. Agree with the more grown up feel.

When I buy parkas, I want that sucker to be rated A for Antarctic-suitable. Are these going to be warm enough? Also, since we're dreaming, have you looked at moncler?

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Viva, I will admit upfront to having a bias. I will tolerate less than stellar quality in some things, but not in coats. Max Mara cashmere is to die for...I have accumulated one in camel and one in black over the years and they take any look up about 10 notches. Just the lux sheen sets them apart from the crowd...but I do go on

rabbit

Veteran

If you don't love the J Crew coat, can you return it? If the color of the MM coat works on you well it might be worth it for the different cut details and fabrication.