Firecracker's Blog

WIW & WIB: new coat and tee

February 4, 2016

I haven't posted outfits for a while, mostly because of a new schedule, but also I'm not that motivated. I feel I'm kind of on auto-pilot dressing, and my culled wardrobe makes it easy. Today, I decided to post because I'd like some feedback on this coat that hitched a ride home with me from Banana Republic.

Some background on the coat. I have been on the lookout for a warm winter coat. I've been wanting one that would cover my knees and be suitable for winter visits to the Midwest. I have considered down/puffer styles, and have tried on a few, but I really prefer good old-fashioned wool for my style.

After looking around online and in stores for a while, I haven't found anything that I'm crazy about within my budget, or perhaps even out of my budget, for that matter. The length is hard to find, and something not black or gray--well, that's just about impossible. I realize what I need to do is make the burgundy-toned coat I've been intending to make for 2 or 3 years now. It's a daunting project, and I keep putting it off. Yesterday I started the pattern work on it, and it's possible I could finish it in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, the coat I bought today isn't what I've been looking for--it isn't as long as I want, and it doesn't seem like it will be particularly warm. (Though there is room to layer a thick sweater underneath--a bonus.) So it doesn't preclude my long-put-off sewing project. I thought it was pretty cute, in the classic-with-a-twist way that always appeals to me. And it was ridiculously inexpensive (marked down further than what's shown on the website, plus an extra 40% off). So I could wear it a couple of seasons and not feel guilty about passing it on after that, right? What do you all think?

Yay: fun style to play with for a season or two
Nay: misguided impulse purchase

Photos 1-3: the coat (Banana Republic, Flocked-Hem Long Peacoat).

Photos 4-5: The outfit (worn for a day off and shopping): Straight-legged jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Stevie); mixed-media landscape print tee in brown and cream (made by me); taupe shredded-knit cashmere blend shrug (made by me); black and brown belt with studs (Suzi Roher); espresso moto boots (Miu Miu). This is the first outing for the tee, one of my recent creations.

Thanks for looking! I appreciate your feedback.

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

36 Comments

  • Helena replied 8 years ago

    Firecracker, you are so fabulous. I love that outfit. You look so bloody cool. The coat is great! Very flattering and totally works with your style. Keeper for sure imo!!

  • columbine(erin) replied 8 years ago

    I like the coat for you, you should definitely keep it!

  • MsMaven replied 8 years ago

    I love the coat and I love it on you. I agree--keep it.

  • El Cee replied 8 years ago

    I love that coat! It looks fabulous on you. I would be very tempted to keep. I also love the print tee in the second outfit. You are a talented seamstress.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    LOVE this coat for you Sharan. Definitely worth keeping, and sounds like it will be quite different from the burgundy one you're making. Cute outfit too! Glad to hear the closet is still humming along nicely :D

    (Is it wrong that I kind of want to pair this with part of your applique Stanford set? ^^ )

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Haha, Aida! I can see why it reminds you of the Pendleton sweater-and-skirt set (that's what you're thinking, right?). I need to get out that sweater and wear it. I even tried this Pendleton coat recently, but couldn't seem to get the right size, and ultimately I thought it was too heavy and perhaps too classic for me (and too expensive, even on sale, given those concerns).

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    That's the one! Yes that Pendleton coat does look a little too classic for you; plus it might overlap a bit stylistically with your trench, even though this coat is heavier. Can't wait to see how your burgundy coat turns out. What style are you doing?

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    The coat is great on you, Sharan. But is it sufficiently warm for your needs? 

    A fun casual outfit! The boots are amazing worn over the jeans. I've missed them on the forum. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Angie, it's not warm enough for the Midwest. It's more of a Seattle-winter coat. But the one I'm making will be warmer as well as longer.

  • olga replied 8 years ago

    keep! looks great

  • Peri replied 8 years ago

    I love it! Love the embroidery and the style, and if it wasn't expensive I'd say keep it. Well, I would keep it I think.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Aha. Then you're in business, sweet Sharan. Miss you. 

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    An exceptional coat for your exceptional style. Keep. 4/5 is pretty special too. Love that tee.

  • retailgirl replied 8 years ago

    I love the coat! You can't go,wrong with something that distinctive, yet classic. If it's too light for your climate, layer! I have one coat that's kind of lightweight and I wear it over a blazer and it's perfect.

  • crazyone replied 8 years ago

    That coat fits perfectly on you!

  • replied 8 years ago

    re: 

     I have considered down/puffer styles, and have tried on a few, but I really prefer good old-fashioned wool for my style.

    Yes, I understand.

    I REALLY like this peacoat. Sale, aside, I just think it's a standalone cool piece.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Great coat and fantastic tee!

  • kellygirl replied 8 years ago

    Love the new coat! It's awesome--arty and fab like you!! Looking terrific.

  • replied 8 years ago

    I have been thinking about this coat since I first saw it online some time ago . It is SO unique , interesting and different . And this is a perfect colour for you. You look terrific in it and it really suits you!

  • Sally replied 8 years ago

    fabulous coat ...I like the colour and fit.  Love the boots and jeans outfit.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Thanks for all your kind comments, everyone. I am encouraged by all the support for this coat that I don't really "need"--ha! I don't know how I didn't notice it earlier in the season, except that I wasn't looking for a short coat.
    Aida, I had typed an answer to your question about the coat I'm making, but apparently didn't hit "submit." The coat will be a straight style with an asymmetric closure and band collar, a single button off to the side at the top and hidden snaps below that to keep it closed, slanted welt pockets. The fabric is wool boucle/tweed in black with wine shades.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    That sounds amazing Sharan!

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    Love the landscape tee, and the coat! The pattern on the isd a  fab  detail adding great interest! YLF, Sharan!

  • replied 8 years ago

    The flocked hem coat gets a huge thumbs up from me! I also love your day off outfit. You find the most unusual fabrics for tops.

    Can't wait to see your new self made coat. It sounds divine! No mean feat making a coat though...as I know all too well. Good luck and keep plugging away at it, it'll be worth it.

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    That coat is super cool, you simply must keep it! And of course you know I love the tee you made. BTW, I have been sewing/serging up a storm lately - I found an instructor and took a serger lesson as you suggested, and then liked it so much I decided to take a few sewing lessons too (how to line a skirt, how to fit a pair of pants). In fact, the instructor was featured on a TV news segment about women in business, and they filmed her teaching me! 

  • approprio replied 8 years ago

    That coat is fantastic. You should definitely keep it. Nice to see you post again!

  • Ginger replied 8 years ago

    You don't need my Yay vote,  but I'm giving it anyway! That's a terrific coat, and meshes really well with your style. Very interesting, fun details, and a really good length. I think it's a good choice to supplement what's available, and it doesn't conflict at all with your goals for the burgundy.  I totally hear you about putting off a big project like that, too. You've kind of got to commit to a lot of work.

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    I love the coat!  I also love your outfit with the tee and shrug.  Good luck with your coat project.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Thanks, everyone!
    Diane and Ginger, I appreciate your commiseration and encouragement. I'm excited about the project, and a bit anxious, too.
    Karie, that's wonderful news! I'm glad you're enjoying the serger and your classes. And now you're a sewing star--teehee!

  • Mirjana replied 8 years ago

    An exceptional coat, Firecracker, you are so fabulous. I love that outfit, I think it totally works with your style. I like you style.

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    I love the patterned coat -- classic, but a bit romantic and playful, too.  As for warmth, well Indy seems warm in comparison to Chicago!  Seriously, though, since we get around almost entirely by car, I find a heavy coat necessary only on the most brutal of days.  When it's really cold, I layer one of two ways:  a cute fleece moto style jacket under a longer lightweight (packable) EB puffer with drawstring waist and hood.  Or:  the EB puffer underneath another EB coat:  a raincoat with a nylon shell.  This last combination is great for being out in wet snow or cold rain.  Everyone else in my family has a EB coat "systerm" that can be worn with both fleece (or down) and shell layers, or one layer at a time.  They're very sport of course, and I'd love to see a more "fashion" combination.  Maybe a lightweight packable down jacket -- to midthigh, layered underneath a boucle cocoon coat?

    Love the sound of your coat project, and your new tee is lots of fun --- your own statement tee!

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    I love the coat. It is a beautiful colour and perfect style for you. I do wish it was about 2 or 3 inches longer. But I would still keep it especially if the price is right. Can't wait to see your burgundy coat. The made by you tee is fabulous.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Beth Ann, thanks for sharing your cold-weather layering tricks. I am tucking that one away for future reference. I've been much more drawn to the idea of a down sweater for me than a down coat, so I like the idea of layering with a packable down coat. And I agree, Chicago is way colder than Indy! That lake wind is something else.

    Brooklyn, I agree, a little longer would be great! Knee-length is so hard to find in coats.

    And we're off. . . the burgundy coat is cut out! (Took me all day. [sigh])

  • Staysfit replied 8 years ago

    You ave a good eye for what works well on you! The coat is fab. I'm not sure it would be warm enough for the Midwest although this winter is an exception. It would be fine because there hasn't been much cold or snow anywhere, including the few big snowstorms, this winter has been mild.

  • Jjsloane replied 8 years ago

    I like the fit of the coat and your outfit. I think the coat is interesting enough to have a spot among others in your wardrobe (including the future project). I like having a selection and even though this doesn't tick your blocks it looks nice and sounds like you didn't pay too much so I'm on team keep. Can't wait to see what your new coat comes out like - you are so talented. 

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    I think it's great! I've admired it in the store. It adds interest but will " pattern mix" also.
    I have to resist having TOO many coats, but they add so much when you have the right variety.

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.