My Schizophrenic Fashion Personality

I need help! I recently bought two coats. I love them both, but they represent two different style personalities, and I really should only keep one.

They are both good for LA winters, which are extremely mild.

#1 - Wool crepe military jacket from Ann Taylor: Sophisticated! Fantastic shape for me. Great structure. Great styling - not over-the-top - when military goes "out" will still be classic. Could be dressed up.
CONS: It's black. A bit pricy.

#2 - Velvet Tulle coat from Nordstrom Rack: Fun! Appeals to my rocker glam sensibility. Really like the gray color (greenish-grey). It's velvet! 1/3 the price of the AT.
CON: Styling is a bit trendy.

I feel the AT is a better piece, but the velvet is more fun. Do you ever feel like you have two different fashion personalities?

(Sorry - I don't have a pic of me in the Ann Taylor. It fits like a short jacket.)

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15 years ago

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Veteran

I have definite multiple personality disorder with my fashion. And that's okay!! Some days are ruffles and others are studs. I like to be able to express different moods or feelings. As long as you don't feel like you're playing dress up but the clothes really reflect you, why not?!! Keep them both is my vote!

bella

Oh Tara, the Velvet coat is gorgeous but the first one is so you! I really want to see a picture of you in it.

Megan

Active Member

Personally, I'd go for the velvet green coat as long as you do love it and spend the extra money on something else

But that's reflective of where I'm at in building my wardrobe and probably my age.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Lets see the other one on too!

Alecia

I really like the velvet coat. I like that it's not black. Is is a little too small, though? It looks like the buttons are pulling a bit. In any case, I don't know that spending more on a jacket is really a good investment in LA. You don't wear a coat all that much so it seems reasonable to spend a little less on that piece.

Stephanie

I'd like to see both, but all things being equal, I think it makes sense to splurge on the Ann Taylor, which is chic but classic. (Love the cutaway style!) I've always said that Italian women are smart, vis-a-vis fashion: spend your money on coats, shoes, and handbags. I think I'd also like the shorter length/cutaway style on you. Not that I'm an expert.

FYI, I have a Tulle coat and it has not worn fantastically. It's not a disaster, but it's nowhere near the quality I associate with Ann Taylor's pieces. (Though I don't know this particular jacket.)

tarzy

Alecia - you have a good eye! The Tulle coat is a teeny, tiny bit tight. I would probably wear it open, but I don't love the way it hangs open.

Stephanie - I think you're right. The more I look at the Tulle, the less enraptured I am with it. It's fun, but I don't think it's killer. The fit is not great.

I don't love the AT worn open. Is that a deal breaker?

(Yes, the sleeves are long. They always are on me. Will have to be fixed.)

Oh Tara - I hands down prefer the AT coat. Looks KILLER (after the sleeves have been fixed). Promise you'll wear a bit of colour with it?

To my eye, it's no contest: the Ann Taylor hangs *so* much better. Love the drape of it! Great find.

Well, that was easy! The Tulle is going back. Thank you!

Kari

I really like the Tulle coat, but the fit of the AT jacket is so much better. I think you decided well.

Anonymous

Ooh the AT coat looks great on you!

Jaime

Just echoing - the AT coat is definitely a winner!

Beth

Tara, I love the idea of green velvet and I think the color looks fab on you, but agree with the others that the AT coat is a real winner here:)

Kate

I agree that the AT coat is better! I love it when there's a consensus!

Sparky

Just chiming in ~ AT coat wins here, hands down. Also, in the pics it *looks* like a much more expensive coat than the other, so it really shows its quality.

Scarlet

I actually think the AT coat is a little glam rock too because of the ruffle and cut-away style. Are you sure you have it buttoned right in that photo? It seems like the closure is on the other side on the model and there are more buttons. I actually like the the way the AT coat hangs open.

Scarlet, I'm guessing that's because Tara's pic is literally a mirror image of the model pic?

ETA: And she fastened just one of its three buttons for a more open look. I bet it looks great buttoned all the way up too.

RoseandJoan

I think the AT jacket looks fab Tara but to answer your question, yes I too can have a very schizophrenic approach to dressing some days I want vintage romantic and other days minimal modern classic. Fortunately I have room for both style personas in my wardrobe.

Ah, clever, Sparky. It is early morning my time. And spell-check just told me I misspelled "defense", oh and "misspelled" for that matter. Geezus. Maybe I should go back to bed and try again later

yublocka

I think buttoned I prefer the velvet coat. Unbuttoned I prefer the AT coat. SOrry I'm not much help, am I?

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