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Which purchase?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Ladies, I have a limited budget and I have a question about which item I should keep! I found this lovely navy blue coat that would fill a hole in my (extensive) coat capsule. It's wonderfully soft and heavy and shorter, which would also be useful. It's flattering on (especially the peplum in the back). I do not have a coat that works well with outfits that have navy as the neutral, which is a color I wear a lot.

I DO have a heavy plaid statement coat that has navy in it, but the other colors in the plaid demand that it be worn with an otherwise neutral outfit. I also have a grey puffy coat that can work with navy, but isn't as dressy or always appropriate for the weather.

I also found this lovely purple velvet slouchy blazer. It's beautiful material, and in a color that I love and would like to add more of to my wardrobe. The slouchy shape makes it a good alternative to a cardigan and I'm excited to work it into outfits for the holidays and beyond. It's on trend for Fall with the 70's look. I was specifically searching for something velvet to add to my closet. It's slightly cheaper than the coat, and would be unique in my closet.

The issue is that I'm hesitant to really wear this as much as I want because I worry about the intersection of the beautiful fabric and my almost one year old...enough said! It's also full price, so there is a chance it will get marked down in a month...there is ALSO a chance it will be sold out by then.

What variables am I missing? I feel like the pros and cons are about equal here, but what do you think?

I'm going to go ahead and order to coat online so I don't miss out, but I need to return one of these two items to make my budget work. I don't want to be over this month and then lose out on good deal next month because I'm "overbought"!

Trina Turk Vivian Wool Blend Coat

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1

Free People Slouchy Velvet Blazer

$168.00 $112.56

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31 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Colette

Veteran

Which one makes you feel fab when you have it on?

P.S. I am in LOVE with the navy coat!

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh wow, who likes to have to choose?
Here goes on some pros & cons:
The blue coat has that high waist and asymmetric closure so it does look lovely but is kind of a "statement" light coat, as compared to a toss on & go coat, if that makes sense. So you'll need to be more "done up" when you wear it. I can't tell about the fabric-it looks nappy in some way so I wondered if it is a bit delicate as well? But to me the main thing is, is this the style of coat you really want? If so, then it might be a true useful coat capsule expansion. Trying on will help a lot, I think--is it fussy or fab?

The slouchy blazer is relaxed + velvet--that's good and bad! It looks very versatile as an indoor topper and as you say, more luxurious than a cardigan, but dyill easy to wear. Lovely color but it may not enhance any of your navy things--so you need to ask, what outfits does it create? Where am I going in this? Clearly it can't be sporty luxe home-wear capsule with the baby--for that you'd need a washable cozy blend. Is it so special that your "wear opportunities" are very limited and by that time you might be tired of it? I love velvet, but it's quite seasonal for me--your climate has cooler weather, but take a moment to think whether the velvet feels right in enough months of the year. And what about daytime? Again this is a "target outfit" question. Does it say "evening" to you or do you have some good juxtaposition plans for wearing it with daytime items, dressing it down and so forth.

JAileen

Veteran

The navy one is beautiful. If it's as soft as it looks, then it's definitely the one. The only drawback in my opinion is the belt because they drive me crazy - they come loose, they get lost, etc.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Colette, they BOTH do! LOL...that's what makes choosing so hard. #Ihatebudgets

Colette

Veteran

Hmmm, maybe ask yourself how often you see yourself wearing each one in the next two months and go with the one that you will wear the most.

unfrumped

Veteran

Well, the coat is "more clothing" for the money, but that is not the only consideration. I think it gets down to where and when you will wear the item unless you are trying to create a very special capsule (blazer for example). I'm not sure the blazer is that sort of item, though.
For example, if I came across something that really filled a hole for special-occasion wear, or perfect professional suit-like wear (opposite items, but sometimes hard to find) I would get it for peace of mind, even if not a good CPW. I would hang me a fab tuxedo suit or cocktail dress in the closet and start plotting for occasions, and like knowing I have it available.

But if I'm adding something for the season, I would be thinking more about, if I love it, then which one can I wear weekly, several times a week, really get quantity of enjoyment, not have it sit in the closet.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I would get the coat. It's beautiful! I can picture it on you. (Well, I can also picture the velvet jacket, and it would be gorgeous on you, too.) The reason I choose the coat is that it is such a good value for the money. A beautiful, soft, wool coat in a hard to find color and a style that looks like it was made for you, at that price?? The jacket may go on sale later, as you say, or you may see something that fills a similar need at a lower price. Also, I think you'd get a lot more wear out of the coat, so more bang for the buck that way, too.

Lucy

Veteran

The coat is simply beautiful. I love it.
The blazer is very nice too, but I wonder how often you would wear it in comparison. It looks a bit slouchy for dressier occasions, but as you say, it might be too delicate for everyday wear with bubs (though baby wipes do take care of a lot of things!)
I also prefer the colour of the navy, I think it would be very striking on you. So I guess another vote for the coat.

Aquamarine

Veteran

The coat is gorgeous! For me in my climate and daily life,, a coat would get much more use than a velvet blazer. Can you break it down to cpw for each item?

Bonnie

Veteran

I'm guessing that the coat will be much warmer than the blazer which will prevent it from being worn indoors. As much as I love the coat, the blazer may be more useful. Coats are usually worn outdoors over outfits and the blazer can be part of an outfit if that makes any sense.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Both are beautiful but it sounds as though the blue may be a bit more practical and useful for you. It is a gorgeous color and will look stunning with your skin and hair. I find having nice outerwear is really important when it is cold and dreary out.

The tipping factor for me was that the lovely sweater/jacket is dry clean only.

Missey

Veteran

Oh the navy coat is divine! I would pick that...then see if the velvet blazer is in the budget for next month

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

unfrumped, all good thoughts. I would wear the blazer with grey and white tees, possibly with a pale blue shirt I have as well. Bottoms would be flared jeans, black or grey joggers, even my blush joggers would probably look good. I also just got a black flared knee-length leather-look skirt that I think it would be cute over top of. They'd be "work only" and, as such, I would have the opportunity only a few times a week - or for evening events, although those are even further between! As far as I can tell, I'd likely stop wearing this around March, but same would be true for the coat, so the items are on equal footing in that regard.

I think because the coat it shorter it isn't quite as fancy as you might imagine...and I tend to feel fab when my casual is on the dressy side; so I'd wear this (with the belt tied in back if needed) over jeans and a sweatshirt and tall flat boots without any issue.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Ladies, keep in mind I do have SIX other winter coats...

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Firecracker and Bonnie G both make good points...for the opposite item! I think I will post photos once I have both items in my possession. The jacket is actually the item that would be the least "duplicative" in my wardrobe and provide the most uniqueness to my outfits (if that makes sense) whereas the coat is maybe more of a staple and might go with more things, the jacket will make an outfit by itself with very simple items added to it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would order both, as you said you will, and try them on and then decide which makes you feel most fab. Their is only so much that can be decided in theory - it sounds like they both have a place in your life, although the coat might be more bang for the buck.

That said, the jacket can be returned later or you can get a price adjustment if it goes on sale right? It says dry clean - but can it be spot washed?

Joy

Veteran

IlikeShevia's idea. Get both and try them with your wardrobe. Then decide. I can see either piece as lovely on you.

rachylou

Veteran

I would get the sweater because it seems like you could wear it a lot and as your toddler runs you ragged, well you'd still be cute... Baby spit up and all

Mellllls

Veteran

I am leaning
toward the blazer because you said you have six other winter coats.

Missey

Veteran

Jenava it sounds like you may be leaning slightly toward the blazer at this time...post pics when you get them!

Debora

Veteran

Such a tough decision. The velvet jacket could be a wonderful "star" piece for you, and yet the coat is probably the more practical of the two. I don't know, you're a new mom, maybe go with the blazer as a wild card if it makes you feel really fab. I would love to see photos of you in both.

viva

Veteran

I'm leaning toward the velvet jacket. Both pieces are really, really fab. But that blazer looks versatile to me, and I could see it being a workhorse. With jeans, over a black column dress ... and if it is washable (not sure?) then it is baby-friendly too. Can't wait to see them both on you, but that is where my vote is. (I should say, as much as I love coats, I would always rather spend money on something I will wear indoors and really enjoy wearing more -- in terms of minutes/hours of wear.)

ETA: It's dry clean. But my opinion doesn't change. The coat is probably dry clean, too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote cardi. Better fit for your lifestyle despite your one year old.

Greyscale

Veteran

The blazer is gorgeous. For myself, I'd worry that I wouldn't wear it much - the fate of most statement toppers that I buy. But for you, I can picture you working it into your regular wardrobe. It's much more memorable than the coat, so if you think you'll wear it, it gets my vote.

AJ

Veteran

Velvet blazer! That nice slouchy fit seems like a piece you won't see often if you miss out this time.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'd forgo the coat. I don't think the fiber mix will be up to snuff, especially the way our winter is heading.

K. Period.

Veteran

Not even a moment's hesitation for me: Noooo way on the slouchy blazer. None. It says it is dry clean only, which is DEATH for non-work-wear in my house. Plus it is velvet, which will dry weird even if you sponge it to touch it up. I don't know about your babe, but my two kiddos (who were not particularly messy) made a mess out of my clothes regularly at one year old. They still do. I always tried to change out of my work clothes the minute that I'm home, but still I wind up with yogurt kid hand prints on the butt of my wool trousers. Sometimes not identified in time. True story.

Navy coat is safe and practical. It can be sponged clean (or baby wiped clean in an emergency). But I get the sense that the jacket would feel like an obligation purchase for you.

I feel like such a party pooper. What about something in navy velvet that is washable from the Gap or Banana Republic during one of their gazillion 40% off promos?

Mellllls

Veteran

Ah k has a pointment about the washability of the blazer.

Isabel

Veteran

I LOVE the free people slouch blazer. But that is more my style. The first one seems victorian to me...I could see you in that. The truth is that I don't think that you can go wrong. : )

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