Hunting a camel (coat) - YouLookFab Forum

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Hunting a camel (coat)

Anonymous

The quest for simple classic pieces continues. No finds cause on my phone, but I've been hunting a camel coat.
Candidate 1, tried and returned. It was itchy, unlined and seemed cheap compared to my old wool coat. Plus the pockets and "fur" collar were not the best. Next!

https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....at/5985582

Candidate 2, apparently sold out now so can't link. Not wool but nicer made (ahem Lined) but why didn't I notice it has no buttons, just a tie (facepalm)? It is very warm though, and definitely big enough for layers. I suppose I could have buttons added though TBH I rarely close my coats. On the fence. K/R? Bathrobey? Will the tie drive me nuts? Pardon the bare feet and maxi!

Possible candidate 3, from NAS but camel is sold out RN. Maybe it'll appear again?
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/la.....te/5887463

Anything similar out there this year- <$150ish?

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JAileen

Veteran

I think you’re just a little early. Macy’s has this one, but not in your price range, and maybe not long enough. If you are interested in it, wait a little while until they have a sale.

https://www.macys.com/shop/pro.....4&

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Anonymous

I think I saw that one, the 2 pockets on the one side are a bit odd though-and definitely above what I'd be comfortable spending.
You're right I'm definitely early- and won't need it for many months!
My goal is to work on all the problematic (read: winter) things early, cause I figure they'll be time consuming.

JAileen

Veteran

The two pockets are copying a traditional man’s coat feature - a ticket pocket. It dates back to train travel during the industrial revolution. Only weird if it’s not a real pocket!

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Runcarla

Veteran

I’m considering this one https://www.aritzia.com/en/pro.....=on_a,on_b but want to try it on and also compare the camel version with the wool version. I spoke with a SA at the store who said she owns it and it is the only winter coat she wears now. I believe nemosmom has one (but in a different colour?) and is a fan. The SA said that they will have them in the store later in the year. Winter stock is expected to start arriving in August.

* I linked to the Canadian site, so don’t know if you get USD or CAD. Ordering from Canada is a good deal since the exchange rate is favourable to folks from the US.

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Anonymous

Yikes thats $398 in USD, but definitely was looking for single breasted for me.
Didn't know about the ticket pockets, but I must've seen them on suit jackets!

nemosmom

Veteran

For me, it's a big "no" on the tie/belt.

Agree that it may be early, yet. Zara usually puts out decent coats, but I imagine the heavier ones likely won't be available for at least another month. COS, Express, Abercrombie, JCrew have had decent coats in the past... Mango can be hit-or-miss, but worth checking... Abercrombie has put out a single-breasted "dad coat" the last few winters...

Is there a specific fabrication you want? Are you ok with wool? Or, are you avoiding any particular fabrics?

(and yes, I have the Aritzia Babaton slouch coat in a color called 'cigar' and LOVE it. I bought it at the end of March at a discount because they were discontinuing the color, plus it was end of season. It got 37 wears before our winter ended! Given how much I knew I would wear it, I honestly would've paid full price. It's a great coat!)

Sheryl

A classic camel coat is a good candidate for a secondhand purchase, as long as you know your size/how you want it to fit. There are many on Ebay. I suspect there are some on Poshmark, too

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

No coat help, but learned about ticket pockets. Thanks JAileen!

slim cat

Veteran

Some years ago Banana Republic did great coats - not sure it's still the case ( nothing yet available right now ). Plus like it was mentioned before - it's still just the beginning of fall season. Good luck with hunting!

Minaminu

Veteran

Very wise to start the search early! Ralph Lauren does some good winter coats, you may want to keep an eye on their winter collection when ready!

Star

Veteran

As you asked, I personally see most tie only coats as bathrobey.

rachylou

Veteran

Have to admit I don't love the low-slung tie belt. Tie belts really really annoy me. I usually lose the belt wearing them untied...

Anonymous

Yep Rachy-exactly! I'm debating just wearing it open, will have to try it over something I might wear in winter. It has to be Really cold for me to close my coat, like below freezing, which doesn't happen much here. And I have my big warm puffer for those days. This would just be for the cold but not bitter cold days.

A Lot of the coats I'm seeing now seem to be with just ties, no buttons- at all price points. Or double breasted, which I don't want.

Ideally I'd have something with princess seams or otherwise nicely shaped, but they're just not at retail now at all. Not sure about trying used things from online, cause I couldn't return, but leave no stone unturned....

Wool seems ok for coats, as long as lined, cause it's not touching bare skin. I have a wool coat and it's ok. I wouldn't wear otherwise though.

I'm definitely looking for something dressy enough for everyday, without clutter. Pockets on the seams, no huge collars, etc. Yes, belt ties are clutter- sigh...

missvee

Veteran

I have the Stedman coat from Aritzia and would recommend it. It’s single breasted, and made from recycled camel hair. I didn’t wear it a lot last winter due to the pandemic, but I can’t wait to bring it out this year.

kkards

Veteran

Suntiger —i think you’ve said you wear sandals until around November, so I’m not sure how warm a coat you need…if you are planning to do most of this coat shopping on line, i think you need to define that before you start ordering, as that will help narrow down your options. For example the Aritzia coat that Runclara and nemosmom link to is recommend/rated as Warmer: -20°C / -4°F. So, expense aside, is that to warm for what you need?

ophelia

Veteran

If you do decide to try 2nd hand, on ebay you can select to show only sellers that take returns (as well as NWT options & desired color). All my coats but 1 are 2nd hand & I haven't had any problems (& I'm limited to petites); new ones are literally out of my price range unless on deep end of season type sale. Luckily I only need to wear one about a week or two out of the year.
The J Crew "lady coat" has princess seams & single breasted.

Anonymous

Well my summers (May-October) are consistently warm- hot (70s-90s). November, December, March, April are wildcards. It could be 30s to 60s to occasionally 70. Not sure how that translates to C. Usually January and February are generally cold to bitter cold (40 and below). Many years no snow, but occasionally a foot or more. In cold weather I don't stay outside, just dash from house to car to office.

My most worn coat is my wine purple long wool coat, but thicker layers don't fit well and I don't have a neutral equivalent.

I also have 2 very warm coats, my long heavy puffer (olive) and a black short shearling coat for bitter cold days, and 2 thin short puffers (beige, black)that are ok down to 40 or so. But those puffers don't accommodate layers. This coat in question would probably be good for 30-50 degree weather.
Did I mention how much easier it is to dress for summer :/
And yep- 60+ means sandals, full stop

Anonymous

Forgot a coat! My stupid magpie wine purple short faux fur Super warm but no pockets. Maybe I'd wear for holiday parties but that's about it.

Oh and yes, people recommended the lady coat last year (or was it the year before). But I got the stupid magpie olive puffer.

notsaf

Veteran

I *love* a camel-colored coat! For your temps, I think actual camel and the heavy fabrication that Carla and NM have for the northern climates would be overkill.

You might look instead for what I think of as a fall coat. J Crew always has good options; I have a slightly dressy one from Uniqlo, of all places; and Atrizia has great cuts, but I agree is spendy in US dollars. I like the Lauren one that JAileen linked as well. Wait a few months!

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Joy

Veteran

If you wear the coat in a car, the belt is likely to get caught in the door. That particular coat does not look as bathrobey as I thought it would. You need to decide how you feel. Don’t forget second hand stores for a classic piece like this, even estate or garage sales.

gryffin

Veteran

Sorry to hijack suntiger - Nemosmom and Runcarla - I'm interested in the artizia camel coat. I'm 5'3" 106 lb usually size 4 sometimes size 2. But I wear coats over suit jackets and I don't like them tight. But numbers I should be on their scale size 2 (seems like sizing runs small?) am I ok with this? It says oversized. I don't want too big but I don't want snug. Thanks so much!!

Runcarla

Veteran

@ gryffin - I’m 5ft 7in, 132 lbs with broad shoulders and long arms. I’m considering the size 2, but I’m looking for a closer fit (over a merino sweater, but not over a topper) and hope it’s long enough to wear over/cover a below knee length dress. For me, the thing will be are the arms long enough. I have yet to see the coat IRL, and want to try it on. I’ll be in the Big City early September for ‘business’ and will be staying in the city centre, so hope there will be an opportunity for a try-on.

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gryffin

Veteran

Yes I’m at the bottom end is size 2. That’s pretty much my measurements. But some reviewers thought it ran snug buttoned. But someone bigger tried on the size 3 snd thought it was huge. Decisions. I’m looking for a warm wool coat and I love the style. So chic.

nemosmom

Veteran

@gryffin I am similar in build to Carla - shy of 5’7”, 120lb, broad shoulder, long arms…. Mine is labeled XS - I guess it corresponds to a 1? It was a closeout when I bought it in Feb/March 2020 so I am not sure if the measurements are different.

Anyway, mine is definitely an oversized fit. I can wear my Moto comfortably as a layer under, but it still looks “tidy” without a jacket. I can post a photo of it on me tomorrow (it’s late and I’m in boxer shorts currently LOL) I’ll model it with and without a jacket under, and include garment measurements, if that will help.

ETA: the drop shoulder helps with a competing jacket underneath. I tried a blazer under a different candidate coat I tried, and found the shoulder seams competed with each other.

@Suntiger - it’s definitely more of a hefty (warm) coat. It’s my parka alternative.

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Anonymous

Ok, now I want /need this Aritzia coat too . We have a store here so I’ll stalk it for you all and do a try- on . I’m no size 2 though , so be kind

Anonymous

Oh I see . It’s not actually a size 2 in *that* sense . Still .

Anonymous

Thanks for stalking the coat Lisa
I did pop into a consignment store, hope springs eternal. No coats but a couple other things came home with me. Started stalking the lady day coat, and did find a 6, but not sure if I should size up.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’d keep an eye on Zara. I’ve seen quite a few camel coats. This one is available here now. 75% wool.

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ophelia

Veteran

Suntiger, I would hate to mis-advise you, especially on a big ticket item! But I size down in J Crew.

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