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Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Moving, and the change of lifestyle that comes with it, has messed with my fashion plan. Firstly, my dressy-girl self is, at the moment at least, in an increasingly casual environment. Drat. And, since I'm not working much yet, the budget? Well, it's leaner than I am, let's leave it at that.

BUT..... I have a Nordie's gift certificate.

Since my coat capsule could use some shoring up, I've been scanning for options for the past month. Today, at Nordies, I spied this teal Ellen Tracy swing coat. I've always loved this style, although it's been out of favor for the last few seasons. Teal is also a favorite jewel tone. Of course, they didn't have my size (you see me wearing a 16 here). The SAs (there were two -- this is Nordies, they take care of you) brought out this oatmeal version in a better size. I never wear neutral or tan shades. They loved it on me. I loved the idea of a "camel hair" coat, but I don't know how to evaluate the shade --- I've just always assumed I couldn't wear it. Please pardon the wonky expressions!

How do you feel about swing coats in general? And on me? (in the right size, of course -- the oatmeal is probably sized correctly)

Which color? Or..... shall I keep looking?

For reference: I have a deep red puffer and a cobalt Michael Kors trench (from NAS). I also have a deep purple peacoat, that's looking worse for wear, and a black gear-style raincoat.

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46 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

Beth Ann

Veteran

P.S. the coat is not a bright in teal as in the finds. It's actually a true blue/green teal -- more green that in my own pic.

Ellen Tracy Convertible Collar Kimono Sleeve Wool Blend Coat (Regular & Petite)

$300.00 $149.90

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2

Anonymous

So...they both look good on you. Is that possible, given that one is so warm and the other so cool?
I love swing coats. They are so chic. Would you wear the collar up?

Keix

Veteran

I like the fit of the camel but much prefer the teal color on you (although I also love teal so I may be biased). It seems to brighten your skin more. The camel is a nice neutral color but in the same color family as your skin and hair, which feels a bit blah to me.

abc

Veteran

Beth Ann, my twin

I have been lusting after a camel coat. Or the IDEA of a camel coat. Maybe you're helping me out here.

Re style, I see the coat you're wearing as classic. Not trendy but not dated or "out of style" by any means.

I actually love the big collar. I was also thinking I needed something with a big collar soon - how is it that you're reading my mind these days?!

Anyway - the lighting is different on the two pics, AND you show one buttoned and the other not, but I have to say, I prefer you in the jewel tone 2nd coat. Maybe you're helping me figure out I don't need a camel coat?!

Being a swing coat, doesn't it have more give? Is the 2nd pic a larger or smaller size? I can't even tell.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First of all, I love swing coats. Secondly, I love this one on you.

The teal is gorgeous on you and seems like a no-brainer. But I'm surprised at how much I also love the camel. Would you feel blah or staid in it, do you think? Would you wear colourful scarves, or would that be too hot for you as you run warm?

One reason I am not shrieking "teal for the win" is that your other coats are all colourful and I do think it can be useful to have a neutral, however much one loves and enjoys colour. OTOH, teal does almost function as a neutral if you wear a lot of other neutrals. To me, it's a bit like red in that respect.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Or is that maybe will the TEAL me stand up?

Diana

Veteran

Oh holy crap that coat comes in TEAL???? You know I Almost bought last year's version but didn't because I thought all the colors were too drab.
So yes this is my way of saying I vote for teal. Also we might become twins soon.

Astrid

Veteran

Definitely the teal. I think you dissappear a bit in the camel coat, it's especially obvious because we have the direct comparison in the same light. You have the teal buttoned, did the camel also look like a good fit done up?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Your responses are comforting. They mean that my attraction to this coat, and my indecision, are understandable, and not the result of my unsettled-post-move identity crisis!

KL -- the camel coat is likely the right size. The teal is definitely too large. I could actually wear one size smaller than the camel, but it seems to me that a coat of this shape should be generous, and I like the longer sleeve.

Suz -- yep. That's exactly it. I love me my jewels! They brighten winter! However, I always fear appearing a little bit "woman with a pink cadillac" when I indulge in jewel tones. I also have that lurking suspicion that neutrals are more elegant and confident --- as if I might be trying to hard to add color, instead of allowing my own serene light to shine through (or something like that).

I have lots of scarves, that I would enjoy wearing. And I love hats, too. I'd like a coat that can dress up or dress down. How do I feel in the camel? Unsure of myself. But then I worry about being too forceful in the teal. I think I'm just unsure of myself. So annoying!

The SA's were both late 20's-early 30's. Could their favoring the camel be a generational reaction to color? Should I be open to change?

Astrid

Veteran

I think if you crave something neutral you should go for it - but maybe not camel? I think you'd look fantastic in a clear silvery light grey for example.

abc

Veteran

Suz for the win for her joke:

will the TEAL me stand up?

I don't think you can go wrong with either, please keep us posted.

And now it's your fault I want to copy you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's tough. The teal is just so darned flattering and I know if it were me, it would make me happier. (But then, teal is a flattering colour for me and camel is basically soul sucking beige on me. Which is a pity because it would be a great cohesive kind of colour with/ for my hair.)

Hmmm. How about you buy this gorgeous coat in teal and look for a discount neutral in maybe one of your most flattering neutrals? Because, well, the other thing is, if you are adding another colour/ neutral to your closet, that can get messy. And didn't you say you were looking for some cool chocolate accessories this year? Those would probably work better with the teal, no?

I have to add that I am totally with you on the transition stuff. I'm in a complete mess right now, fashion wise and every other way. I get up in the morning and go into a panic every time I look in the closet. Part of it is weather (ours has been mostly unseasonably warm but also abruptly up and down) and part is due to my new roles (student, teacher, executrix) but I am seriously confused about what to wear or how I want my wardrobe to look these days!!

shedev

Veteran

I vote teal. You should be able to order online or have them deliver to you if you pay in store.

Meredith

Veteran

The teal looks great on you and considering the fact that your weather will be cold and gray from November to March, I vote teal all the way!

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L'Abeille

Veteran

Voting for the teal. And yes to a swing coat.

Reasons? The camel is OK, but the teal makes you glow.
You have a long winter ahead of you, and you will be wearing more casual stuff than your heart would desire. And if I recall correctly, a lot of that is in neutrals, with some reds and purples thrown in to the mix. You can use this coat to top off a casual, mostly neutral outfit, and you will still feel like the glamorous diva you are.

(Confession: I bought a jumbo-houndstooth swing coat 2 winters ago, and a red princess coat, and a grey pea coat, worrying with each one that it would be too much. Instead they were the perfect foil for my black, white and grey, fairly androgynous-style winter wardrobe, and each made me feel fab every time I wore it to brighten up my too-long winter. But especially the swing coat.)

Anonymous

I think I might've been getting sidetracked by the fact that the shirt you are wearing UNDER the camel looks so nice with it.
Yes, I agree with others that the teal looks better on its own next to your face.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Forum fabness at its best! Sometimes, on a "which one" thread, it seems that the response is mixed --- then there's some back and forth --- then a path starts to emerge!

And I love a good language joke -- awesome, Suz!

For those of you loving this coat ---
1. It has wonderful "picked" hand-stitching on the seams.
2. It is a blend, with a bit of angora in it -- quite soft, won't be too warm, but great for a "car coat."
3. It runs a bit large. I'm not sizing down though, because I like the longer arms in the 14, and I want the coat to really "swing" and layer easily. You'll notice in the find that it's not as swingy as in my pics.
4. The camel is photographing pretty true to color on my monitor. The teal is a bit more of a balance of blue/green, not as vivid as the Find.

The teal in my pics is a 16 --- way too big. The 12 did fit. If you're a pear, definitely size down.

Any fighters for camel out there? I think Astrid's idea to play with the color is something that's less of an investment is perhaps a good one!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love swing coats, and I vote teal.

celia

Veteran

Teal
It makes you happy, it is you. I do like the camel on you but , and especially because your life changes , I think you need something that is unique and an instant pick me up.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Love the coat on you! You look so elegant in it, and it has that effortless chic look. The style will allow you to feel a little dressier when you are wearing jeans and other casual outfits this coming season, and it will dress up nicely, too. I vote teal, too. Clearly you like color in your coats, and they work for you. I do really like how you look in the camel one, but I don't think it's as much your style. It takes the coat little more toward the East Coast and Ivy League, if that makes sense. Rich, gorgeous colors are a key part of your style. And you have a black coat if you really want a neutral.
I realize this coat looks familiar because I tried it on last year in eggplant. When you described the stitching, I recognized it. I almost bought it a couple of times, but I was wanting something longer, and I had (still have) fabric to make myself a wool coat in deep burgundy.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

I agree with KL...the camel is just too similar to your skin and hair. Love the Teal on you!! How about a winter white coat for a neutral?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay -- a monkey wrench. How does the teal play with your denims? If you're wearing it in casual life, that might be an issue, no?

I still vote for it, regardless.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Oh, yes... The teal. It's beautiful on you.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I should try to read more carefully, but can you order the teal in your size? I feel it is more you - the you that is still you despite the upheavals.

Bijou

Veteran

I love swing coats and these both look great on you. I think the teal coat looks a bit more special than the camel coat. As this is an investment piece, I think you should go with your heart and buy the colour that you love. I think your smile in the photo when wearing the teal coat says it all!

Carole

Veteran

Both gorgeous, but teal is my most favorite color!

unfrumped

Veteran

Teal definitely.
Or maybe, no camel.
Meaning, don't get the camel. I agree, if you ever do a neutral I'd shop amongst several other colors, cooler and darker.

If you don't LOVE the teal, don't get it, either, but it looks really great and is not loud. You have the coloring for it, and it's rich and interesting.

Suz is right, you would want to see if it "goes" with your expected outfits especially pants, unless you're doing skirts + tights, for color and proportions, for winter. I think of it as very versatile, but it's still possible for a colored coat not to play well, or give the intended result. I don't think that's likely to be a problem with your wardrobe, as even if you don't wear it with everything, you should have lots of outfits it really complements, but just run it through the process. That's just my caution of always trying things on at home no matter what. I've had a few things where I've figured out I really wanted a different effect once I put everything together.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks, again! YLF sisterhood to the rescue.

I do think I can order it in my size -- Everysize but mine was in the store today! (sigh).

Suz -- the teal is more green than it appears in pics. I think it is enough different from denim blue to work. I also have deep burgundy, black and black/grey houndstooth pants for the season.

Adelfa

Veteran

You look great in the camel, but the teal is better. Maybe you could just accept that you love color. I'm the opposite--I WISH I loved color, keep trying to make it work, but I feel best in neutrals with the occasional eggplant or olive piece (which are basically colorful neutrals). You have the personality to carry any amount of color. I say go for it.

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