K/R Faux Fur Coat?

Staysfit

This is the Gallery Faux Fur Coat. I am looking for something to replace my Cole Hahn Cashmere and Alpaca coat which is a rich chocolate brown. It's a beautiful coat, but it is not a light summer color. I'm posting the Cole Hahn for comparison. Not the best pictures, sorry. I have had a terrible migraine headache for 5 days now. I'm not looking or feeling my best, so please forgive me.

I will say that I like a dramatic coat. Someone wondered if I can manage a big collar yesterday. I think the Cole Hahn has a big collar, and I get many complements when I wear it. Maybe it's not so great? What do you think? It may be hard to see the detail in my pic. The collar can be moved around in different ways. I tried to sculpt it a bit to be similar to the faux fur.

I have an opinion, but I will reserve it so I can get yours? What do you think? Do you like the Gallery coat?

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Nordstrom

Gallery Shawl Collar Faux Fur Coat (Regular & Petite) (Online Only)

$375.00 $187.49

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10 years ago

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34 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Marley

Veteran

Yes! I really like it! The color is beautiful on you. And I definitely think that you can "carry" a dramatic coat with a large collar! Very pretty!

10 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I love it on you! I vote KEEP!

10 years ago

Tina

Veteran

The color and collar are both great on you! I think the lighter one is much easier on your complexion. I vote keep too.

So sorry to hear of your painful existence, for 5 days no less. I hope you get relief soon!

10 years ago

LACeleste

Veteran

I am loving these lighter colors on you! Great coat!

Sorry about the migraine. Hope tomorrow brings relief!

10 years ago

Golden

Veteran

I love the style and color but the fur looks a bit like a bathrobe to me, maybe it's just the photo? If you love it, keep it.

10 years ago

ElleH

Veteran

I like it & love the colour. I do find the collar to be a lot of collar but you said it can be arranged in different ways.

10 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I love the coat, but I am a little conflicted as I am not feeling the colour is the best for you? I know you have had your colours done recently, and I am absolutely no expert. It could be how the tone is translating on screen. I will defer to others, but it is certainly a stunning coat and the fit is perfect.

10 years ago

kristinarouse

Active Member

it looks geat,it helpes people stay warm in cold weather.

10 years ago

Caro

Active Member

It's a nice coat, but I see your friend's point about the collar. I didn't notice it at first, but when you compare the collar on your beautiful Cole Hahn, it is much more proportional and not overwhelming on you. But the white coat's collar does make your head look a bit small, and like you have no neck--can't imagine what this coat would look like on someone shorter with a short neck?

This style of coat is big this season, so I would say keep looking... it doesn't do justice to the Cole Hahn...

10 years ago

rute

Veteran

Keep it! So pretty! Love the color and the collar!

10 years ago

kkards

Veteran

l love a light colored coat, but they do get dirty so quickly, so generally if i have a light colored coat, i want it to be washable. not sure if that matters to you.

10 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

How easy is it to clean?
That would come into consideration, but otherwise, the cut is very flattering on you, and so is the collar. It would be nice to see how it looks like with the collar down. Your brown coat's collar is stunning, and it shows off your neckline.
Know that sleeves' edges are going to be first to smudge.

10 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Interesting! I didn't expect so many positive responses! I want to clarify that the collar of the brown Cole Hahn coat is adjustable, not the white Gallery coat. My initial reaction was that I should return the Gallery coat and keep looking. If I had never owned the Cole Hahn, I might love it and want it, but I think I have been spoiled!

Here are my concerns: 1. The material feels like thick furry polar fleece, but it is heavy in weight. This coat weighs far more more than the Cole Hahn and it isn't as warm. Goldens comparison to a bathrobe is funny because I have one that color! 2. It is a professional fur clean only maintenance. I guarantee the first time I wear it I will brush up against my salty car and it will get dirty. 3. I don't like the collar as much as the Cole Hahn. There is only one way to wear it. It looks strange unless it is fastened all the way.

Things I do like: 1. The color, so I may continue to look for a light, or winter white coat, maybe something washable though. 2. The shape. I like subtle a line/fit and flare shape. I like that there is some structure to the bottom half of the jacket so it drapes away from me instead of hanging limp against me. 3. The sleeve length is good, something that is often hard for me to find without sizing up.

I definitely think the coat has some drama. I am wondering if I would be better off returning, and looking for something in another color, maybe a light blue. I had been thinking about red as well. I kind of like this DVF coat. I put it in my finds a while ago. It may not be the correct red for me but I can always look.

Nordstrom

Diane von Furstenberg 'Lauren' Asymmetrical Zip Wool Blend Coat

$498.00

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10 years ago

viva

Veteran

Since you have some reservations, I would wait.
Personally, I like the white one, but not as much as your current dramatic coat -- and it's the collar! I realize the Cole Haan is adjustable, but the way you have it done in the picture is so flattering. I like that it can be both dramatic and more open around your face and neck.
Plus, the concern about cleaning AND the need to professionally fur clean is a bad double whammy. I would wait. You will find something better!

ETA: I definitely like that DVF coat -- seems like a gorgeous red -- but it doesn't have the A-line you like or the dramatic collar, so I don't know if it will really fit your need?

10 years ago

donnat

Veteran

I think that coat is gorgeous on you. Love it. I do understand your reservations about it though. I would brush up against a salty car, or dribble coffee down my chin. I think the professionally fur clean would end it for me.

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Well sine I can't wear this color or collar I vote yay! Someone has to do it!

10 years ago

Deb

Veteran

To be frank Staysfit, I don't think this is your coat. It looks a tiny bit big on the shoulder and the collar is overwhelming you and making your head look disproportionately small. The colour is nice, but this coat hasn't got the sophistication of your dark brown one. The medium/ large collar of the brown coat drapes beautifully, looks über stylish and doesn't overwhelm you. I vote....keep looking and also keep your brown coat going.

10 years ago

Deb

Veteran

Just to add...I was just thinking you could give your brown coat a modern uplift by removing the belt and adding a medium width chocolate or black platted leather belt or something like that...to change it around.
The DVF coat is very nice....completely different...but very nice.The drama is in the colour!
Hoping that migraine is settling down....it has been a bad one eh?

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I actually love the brown coat and think this colour looks good on you, even if it isn't one of your "official" colours. A cool chocolate brown can actually be a great colour for "summers" -- I know it looks good on me. I have not been labeled a "light summer" but clearly share some characteristics of colouring with you. (I was actually typed as a "true summer" but as you know, I have my doubts about the whole business and prefer to use the evidence of my own eyes combined the knowledge that I am definitely "cool" toned and definitely on the low contrast side.)

I agree that the problems with the Gallery coat may outweigh its benefits. I think it looks good and you can carry the collar, but it doesn't wow me. And I would be concerned about practicality, even though it is intended as a dressy coat.

It seems that large collars as a bit of a bone of contention! I absolutely adore them (sugar eye) so admit to not being all that objective. I adore them not only for the way they look but also for how they feel on my chilly neck.

The red coat is gorgeous but much more casual -- like a pea coat. If you have a need for something like that it's well worth a look. I have a coat with a collar like that (basically a stand collar that can be worn up or opened, like a revere collared pea jacket). Mine is not zipped but double breasted so the asymmetrical effect is similar. It's a fantastic shape for me personally and would probably also work on you.

10 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

The nice thing about the Cole Hahn coat is I can wear it for a dressy occasion or to work. It seems to work both ways. It has some versatility. I love the idea of looking for another belt to update its look Deb. I wouldn't have come up with that on my own. Thanks!

Suz, I so agree about the colors. I'm trying not to be overly rigid. I am right there with you about the low contrast issue and cool tones. I am starting to understand that much better now. My color confusion has a long and complicated history that only a good shrink can figure out! It's a good thing I know/am one!!

In terms of the type of coat I am looking for, I could use one for more casual wear and one for going out. I like to have a very nice coat for when we go to plays, operas, shows, etc. Our community is small, and fairly casual. I am a physician so people know me, and I like to present myself well in public. Typically in the lobby of our theaters all you really see are people in their coats! When I go places like work, it's interesting how many people notice my coat. The same is true in grocery stores or the mall, etc. I have found it is an important item to have as a point of focus. A good color, or a good design can do the job. I chose the shape of the white coat because I bought a Jane Post raincoat trench in a similar shape and really like it. I thought I would try to echo it, but I'm not sure it worked with the Gallery coat. I could go with something straighter like the DVF, or more A-line. I haven't tried anything straight recently.

Deb, I think you are right about the design/fit. The shoulder and collar are overwhelming. I think the material is not drapery/fluid enough. It looks like it is, but it is very thick and structured.

Una, I have something else that I think is may be better in a similar color so if I don't keep this coat, I may still have something you can admire vicariously, just like I do all of your wonderful clothes! Its not a coat though, it's a sweater topper. I am debating keeping it because it has a fur collar. So many people get upset about fur. I have mixed feelings, but I like the shape. I will post it soon.

10 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I was kind of glad to read your reservations about the Gallery coat, Staysfit, because my first reaction was that it looks really nice on you but I would worry about trying to keep it clean (unless it's only a special occasion coat). . . and then I looked at the Cole Haan and thought, whoa! That's absolutely stunning on you. I would hate to see you replace it. To my eye, the Gallery doesn't hold a candle to it--the chic style; cool-looking, flattering collar; the drape of the fabric; the fit, everything. Now, I don't know about color with your newly done colors, but I think it looks beautiful on you in the photo.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I like the Cole Haan one much better, and I think the white will be really hard to keep clean. But maybe that is just me.

Still, I would wait and replace with something better unless there is an urgent need.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I think you are spot-on in your analysis. It was a good coat to try, so now you have some more criteria to use for your target coar. The white coat is too plush-animal looking for your style, I think. You may still want a white coat, but I'd love to see one of your shades of soft blue, or even a cool light brown. And I think you will want a better fabrication, maybe wool/cashmere or camel.
The Cole-Haan is a good place-holder to hang on to, or even keep as a secondary coat, a dark dressy coat as you say, maybe your sub for black. In your climate you can have some coats for special purposes!
I know it's hard to mix a scarf or muffler with that type of collar, but if the collar does adjust down, you could try adding a soft blue scarf as a contrast and face-flattering and get more wear out of it until you find "the one".

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Unfrumped, i think idea of using a scarf could work with the Cole Hahn. I think my preference for the Cole Hahn is also related to the natural fibers. I would love to find a camel coat, or wool/cashmere in an interesting color. Living where I do, coats are pretty much a daily necessity, so having some variety would be nice.

All these comments have been so helpful in clarifying my thoughts. If I keep the Cole Hahn, which I love, then I could take my time looking for a second coat of some sort. I could use something that is either longer that would work with skirts, and something shorter, and more casual. i am waiting for the Tracy Reese coat I ordered. It's very different from either of these. I was thinking of it as a wild card. I have never tried anything like it before.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Staysfit, I saw your post last night and I didn't want to contradict my SoCal sisters, but I have some reservations about the faux fur coat, and I see you did too. The white coat looks a bit costume-y to me, in an Ice-Capades sort of way. I much prefer your current, Cole Haan coat, even though the color might not be your very best. Color is important, but it's only one part of the equation. The superior fabrication and style of your brown coat (with that fabulous collar) should not be dismissed immediately IMO.

You can certainly afford to sit tight for awhile, enjoy your current coat and see what floats by. You don't need to build up your entire wardrobe again overnight. I'm going to be bossy here and encourage you to sit tight, ruminate on your new colors. Make some Pinterest boards for styles and silhouettes that appeal to you. Study your body type and proportions and just window shop until your actual needs and preferences crystallize. This takes some sitting still and breathing. You are a wonderful and enthusiastic student of style, but slowing down a bit at this juncture might benefit you in the long run. This lecture comes with a smile and <<<hugs>>>>

9 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Since you have reservations about the coat, I wouldn't keep it, but I would note the the shape and length look very fab on you. I wondered if you wear hats because that could balance the dramatic collar perhaps. I have a small face too and my husband doesn't like big collars or large scarves on me so I've been pondering a similar problem.

9 years ago

N-Marie

Veteran

I must admit I am more drawn to the brown coat than the white a well.I do find the collar on the white coat overwhelming. I think you will hopefully find some more light colored coat options- it seems like a relatively popular color for coats this year!

9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Like others, I think the white coat is dramatic on you but prefer your darker Cole Hahn. Your coat is out there waiting for you to discover it.

9 years ago

Marley

Veteran

I still much prefer the color of the white coat on you - but, I didn't realize that the entire coat is fuzzy? That would definitely be a deal-breaker for me. HowEVER, I really think the color of the Cole Hahn coat is too, too dark for you - and the belt keeps it from looking current or modern. I agree with Claire though, that it would be good to slow down and breathe and just be with your wardrobe for awhile! You will learn alot by hanging around with your already purchased items!

9 years ago

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