Coats

Thursday 20 November 2014


We're more than half way through November folks and I may have finally found my winter coat. Normally, I would have had it in the bag by the first week of August if I was really on the case. Done and dusted by the third week if I was lagging a bit. But this year? This year has been an epic fail. It has taken me till now to find it. And I originally started this post in September and updated it and updated it and updated it. And it has taken till now but I think we have reached a conclusion. Do you want to know about my coat journey? Well, make yourself a beverage, sit down, get comfy. This may take some time. Let's begin .....


Well, I have dillied and dallied with the following :


River Island Coat.

At the end of August when the temperatures were high, I ordered this rather bright coat. I ordered it in an 8 and couldn't decide whether it was still a touch too big on me despite it meaning to be oversized and then I decided I no longer liked the colour as it wasn't raspberry red enough and erred more to raspberry pinkness. On the River Island site, it looks raspberry red. On ASOS, it looks raspberry pink. The ASOS pictures are more true on the colour. I actually already have a bright pink coat (yes really) in my wardrobe in a very similar shade so I couldn't warrant another. Now if it had been raspberry red - we would have been talking and wearing.

Result : Returned.


H&M Coat
I have toyed with leopard coats for a number of years. The full on furry ones are a touch too scary for me and I remember standing in the Mango outlet a year or so ago with a bargain price furry leopard coat similar to this one in my hand. I walked up to a mirror with it and as I approached the mirror, I caught sight of someone who looked a little like me but not me. I didn't get even as far as trying it on as I could basically see it just wasn't me. However, undefeated on the leopard front, I decided, I need to try with the softer woollen blends rather than the super furry ones and this H&M leopard coat caught my eye. Anyway, after getting it home and trying it on with a few things, I returned it - I declared it too dark for me. Other than that, it wasn't a bad little coat. I did also try the lovely M&S leopard cocoon coat which looks so good on Michelle and did me no favours at all or I think that one would have ticked my leopard cravings once and for all if it had worked out. Onwards and forwards in to the coat jungle.

Result : Returned.


J Crew Utility Jacket


J Crew Utility Jacket


Not technically a winter coat but it's still outerwear so let's put this in. When the NAP sales were in full flow, this JCrew Utility jacket got reduced to an acceptable price and I put in the online shopping basket and left it there. It went and sold out but whilst having a browse on NAP, I noticed that I still had something in my basket so I had a little look and the jacket must have come back online in my size. Hmmmm. Given that I didn't hit the button in the first place, I should have left it anyway but no, I went and ordered it to give it the once over. It came, it went. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. It was okay and honestly speaking, a little roomy. So back it went because I decided okay wasn't good enough.

Result : Returned.


Fur Jackets Galore!

On the first day the boys went back to school in September, I winged it in to town to get myself a little shopping fix - 6 weeks school hols was a little too much abstinence for this shopping mama (I know there is an online app called Cooking Mama - I wonder if there is one for Shopping Mama?) and tried on all the fur coats I could get my hands on. Zara, H&M and Mark & Spencer. Hilarious and hot. And then I found a fur coat which was not too big, not overwhelming, quite a nice fit in the most delicious ..... poo brown.





Who in their right mind, thought this was a good colour for a coat? I must have done because I picked it up and tried it on. Anyway, you can breathe a sigh of relief, I didn't buy the poo brown coat and you don't have to pretend that it's really nice and say things like "in the right light, it's a gorgeous cocoa colour". It's not, it's poo brown (and apologies to anyone who may have bought this coat).

Result : Not bought but I did like it for the fit.


Zara Smokey Grey Fur Jacket




Another attempt at a fur coat. I know that fur coats are big this year especially the more funky coloured ones but I'm not sure I really want my coats to scream circa 2014 in a few years time. This smokey grey one came online and I ummed and aahed over it as ideally I'd like a fur coat which hits below my hips. This one doesn't but the colour is delightful and so I gave it a whirl. Softer than a full on black which makes it much more acceptable in the daytime, I actually really liked this one a LOT and declared it keepers and then changed my mind as there was this funny faux leather trim on the inside which annoyed me and kept peeking out. This is me convincing myself ...




.... and I do still really like it ... can I ignore that little pleather trim? Should I have kept it?

Result : Returned


New Look Fur Coat







I waited nearly 6 weeks for this to come in to stock - I really thought this might be the one fur coat I could do - it's usually the sleeves on the fur coats which make you all Yeti like so I thought slimmer fitted sleeves - problem sorted. It arrived, I tried it on, I put it back in the bag. I just didn't like it.

Result : Returned.


Marks & Spencer Camel Coat






Ahhh. A camel coat. So I have hunted high and low for the perfect camel coat for the last few years and I thought this M&S one might be the one but after having it in my possession for a whole 3 weeks, I decided that it wasn't even though I became quite the little fashion bloodhound tracking this little baby down. I bought it in a size 8 and it hits just below the knee and I am 5ft 1.5". I did take a couple of pictures of me trying it on at home (this was in September when I could still get the toes out) ...




... and I did try to convince myself how I was going to wear it with skate pumps/trainers and dress it down and everything but honestly speaking, I knew this baby just wasn't right for me. But it's a nice looking coat, lovely shape and style but I wasn't overly keen on the fabric. Yes, it's an Italian fabric or so it says on the label which makes it sound oh so glamorous but in all honesty, it's just not got that luxe feeling that camel coats should have - it needs a little cashmere thrown in the mix, a little bit of softness. So basically I sent it back because

(1) It is a little bit big even though I sized down to an 8 (the size 10 would have been too boxy)
(2) The fabric was just not quite right for me.
(3) I won't honestly get my wear out of it
(4) I can't buy a coat purely to tick a camel coat box and I've lived without one for this long so what's another year?
(5) It really only looks good when I wear heels with it. It doesn't look bad with skate pumps but I just need to grow a couple of inches to carry it off convincingly.

Result : Returned.


Hobbs Duffle Coat




Remember this was on my very short wish list? My wish list just got shorter. I ordered it to get it over and done with and when it arrived, I cooed over it as I unwrapped it from it's box. It was as lovely as I remembered it but also not as comfortable. Harumph. Never mind - I didn't want to look like Paddington anyway.


Uniqlo Camel Coat



Uniqlo Camel Chester Coat


Back to camel coat territory. I was swayed by the simple cut and the fact that it was 90% wool and 10% cashmere. It came and I didn't like it at all on me. I think part of me thinks that I'm pursuing the camel coat dream for the sake of it and I shouldn't try so hard as I know when the time comes, it will jump out and punch me in the face.... hard. But this one is not it. It feels lovely and soft but I just didn't get on with it. I felt 80% better in the M&S one and I didn't keep that one so this was definitely going back.


Uniqlo Navy Coat





And I ordered the navy as well as half way through the coat process, I fancied a sharp navy coat. And I returned this for the same reasons as above. It's just not the coat for me in terms of cut and fabric. If I were a few inches taller, we might have been talking.

So where does that leave me? Well it leaves me with this ......


Topshop Slouchy Wool Boyfriend Coat




Now I did see this at the beginning of the season and I thought I'd missed out because they had the odd size left (none of which were mine) but then all of a sudden, all sizes appeared again. So you'd think I'd hit that button pronto and did I? Of course not, I fannied around of course and still kept on looking at other coats! But what I did do was go in to a store and try it on. And left it. And tried it on again. And left it. Until I was finally done with all the above coats and I now finally have this one in my possession. Phew! It's the most delicious shade of khaki swamp as you can see but as they say, it looks better in real life - honest. This is a more casual coat but it works better for me and my lifestyle. I sized down to a size 8 and there is plenty of room for a chunky jumper without feeling restricted in the arms or anything. And the khaki swamp colour is actually pretty neutral - it goes well with harder blacks and softer browns so I can swing whichever way I please this winter in this.



Topshop Coat, Topshop Jamie Jeans, Adidas Stan Smiths, Toast Jumper, Jigsaw Duffle Bag


So, I've thoroughly exhausted myself on the old coat front this year. I'm telling you - it's been a pretty tough assignment - I normally breeze through this exercise but this year I have struggled - maybe it's because I've reached saturation point and I don't actually need any more coats in my life? Did I really just say that? I must be coming down with something ....


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Last Note :

  • Apologies if some of the links to the coats say sold out now. It has taken me that long to get this post out.
  • And you know what they say about buses? Well it applies to coats too. But that's another post for another day.
  • If anyone is still looking for the M&S camel coat or something similar - French Connection do one which caused me to swerve in to their store the other day to check it out. It's very nice and it's available here.




32 comments

  1. Oh Sue!!! The grey fir is amazing - I have it and adore it - I LOVE the collar and the color! GO back and get it again! You look GORGEOUS in the Top Shop coat - you really know your colors and your style xx

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    1. I really liked the grey fur one and besides, they've sold out online now so I can't - my coat budget is spent up. But the colour is gorgeous as is the fur - I'm glad you got one. I have to say - the Topshop one is a lot comfier - I was being "practical".

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  2. Wow Sue I feel exhausted for you, you certainly are the Queen of Returns ;-) Love your Topshop coat though so the journey was definitely worth it although I also love the Zara grey fur on you....maybe a sales purchase?!!
    Jane xx
    My Midlife Fashion

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    1. I am exhausted. Usually I find loads of coats really quickly but I just kept finding the odd little thing which wasn't working for me with each coat and then that was it - it had to go back. But if the Zara fur coat goes in the sale - I'm going to nab one!

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  3. Completely agree with Joanna, that grey fur looks completely stunning on you!! Loving your green coat though, it looks really expensive! I am with you on the fur coat debate, I have my 5th one waiting upstairs for me to decide whether I look ridiculous in it or not...!!

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    1. Don't make me all sad about the grey one - arghghg! It was a pretty tough decision sending it back. But I honestly thought I'd get a lot more wear out of the green one - it's a really easy to throw on coat. And you're on your 5th fur coat - I don't feel so bad now!

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  4. I love the little grey fur coat on you but you have picked correctly ..., as you always do. My mum and I love the style of the M&S camel coat but not the feel of the material either. My mum got a gorgeous camel coat from the jaeger outlet store yesterday. Xx

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    1. That little grey fur number is getting a lot of love and I really thought everyone would have thought I'd lost the plot going for the Topshop one but thanks for the vote of confidence. It's a shame about the M&S camel coat - I just wasn't tall enough for it and it just wasn't soft enough for me. I'll get there one day. And funny you should mention that your mum got a camel one from the Jaegar outlet - I tried a few on there too the other week and the verdict is ... I need to grow a bit taller.

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  5. I bought that J Crew utility jacket in the NAP sale, I LOVE it!!! Yes, it is a bit roomy, but I like that. It's on the outnet now if anyone's interested. Liking your Topshop coat. I can't buy any more coats. I have a serious coat problem. Just got a parka london parka, and I shouldn't have got that really!

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    1. I think if it had been an XS - it would have been okay but the S just didn't quite look all there on me. I actually have a bit of a coat problem too ... I love them but I just have to hold back - I've always bought at least one coat a year but sometimes there might be two or .... more. Besides, on the school run, a coat is all people see of you!

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  6. I love your coat it looks amazing on you and honestly now think you made the right choice, although I didn't as I scrolled down because I loved the camel coat on you and was about to say what about the shape of the camel one I had on my blog the other day, as there is an Asos one in a similar shape and the shape I mean would be bound to suit you rather than something more formal shaped x

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    1. I know I need something which is more "casual" so I can get my wear out of it and the M&S one is a lovely style but maybe a bit too much for me. The Topshop one works so much better for me - I can shove on big jumpers under that too ... and the sleeves don't need altering - how often can we say that?

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  7. I'm gob smacked that you have a bright pink coat in your wardrobe. I think I need to see this. No you shouldn't have returned the Zara fur - it looks divine on you. The TS coat is a great basic and I guess when our obsession with camel coats wanes, yours will still be going strong x

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    1. I do indeed have a bright fuchsia coat http://susiesoso.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/fuchsia.html See! Now is that the wrong colour for me? I bought it so long ago and purely because it was a knee jerk reaction to the colour.

      And I am starting to lose the will with camel coats. And that's probably when I will find it!

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  8. I love this 'journey through coats'! The Top Shop one looks great on you. And I love that you used the phrase 'fannied about' too.

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    1. Oh yes Rachel - I fanny around all the time. I'm very good at it :)

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  9. Love your choice, Sue. The colour is absolutely divine, and I love the shape (a bit cocoonish I think?). Like others, I think the fur one from Zara looked stunning on you, but if you weren't pleased with some of the details and it didn't seem as comfortable as the one you went for in the end then of course it had to be sent back!
    I bought two coats so far - a lighter one that I'm wearing now from Jaeger and a more substantial and sturdy one for colder months from & Other Stories. Chuffed with both :) In my defence - I had zero in my wardrobe, I've only had one that I've been wearing season after season (gorgeous cashmere dark mocha one from Maxmara - a very lucky ebay purchase from a couple of years back - a lady listed a new (!) one with a £3k receipt as a 3day auction in the middle of a summer and I was fortunate enough to win it for a mere - considering it's Maxmara and 100% cashmere - £250), which I've decided to sell to fund some new purchases (starting to regret a bit although I'm extremely pleased with my two new ones). Oh and I also had a wool bottle green with subtle herringbone pattern one from COS. Loved it but also decided to sell as I really liked the & Other Stories one and couldn't justify having two. Irina x

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    1. It is slightly cocoonish actually. It's one of those shapes I say I won't buy but I can't resist them for the comfort and ease factor - you can pile on the layers under a coat like this and another point in it's favour was that it needed no alterations - the sleeves are a fab length!. Oh and another vote for the Zara fur coat - maybe I should go and give it a another go when I next see it in store - it's sold out now online and there's only the petrol version available.

      And you did really well on the Maxmara coat - they really do the holy grail of camel coats don't they? And are you saying you only have 2 coats in your possession in total? Or just can't justify more than 2 this season?

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    2. In total :) I meant autumn/winter coats I must mention as I do own a trench coat as well as a lightweight parka.. I love hardworking clothes and the idea of owning less and wearing everything I've got so no more coats for me :)

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  10. Wow Sue! You have kissed a lot of coat frogs but oh my....you have definitely found your coat prince so to speak! It was worth all the effort as I love the Topshop coat you have ended up with....it's so you! I love the subtle colour, it looks amazing over all black with your Stan's! Thank you for the lovely mention, leopard print coats are a tricky thing to get right, the M&S was just the right colour and texture for me as it's not too in yer face! Therefore I can get away with it on the school run!! As you say in these colder months all anyone sees is your coat and fancy footwear! ;0) xx

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    1. Leopard is more difficult than some people give it credit for. I like it in small touches but large garments such as coats need a little more thought. They can be a little overwhelming. But yes, I'm happy with my khaki swamp coloured coat - it's a little brighter and sharper in real life but comes across quite sludgy in my photos. I think it's one of those coats which isn't particularly photogenic!

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  11. Sue, you truely are a shopping bloodhound! Really liked the look of the Zara fur one on you, but I have to say your final purchase was definitely the best, the colour is just a bit different and very good looking! Now all we want is some proper cold weather to wear "all"our coats! Helen xx

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    1. It's a kind of boucle - not quite a teddy fur coat but not quite a fur coat - a nice hybrid. And the colour is what caught my attention in the first place ... probably because it's a colour that no one seems to be taking a lot of notice of currently. And be careful what you wish for ... that cold weather seems to be coming along nicely!

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  12. You are so committed to the cause, Sue! Love your final choice I've dithered over many camel coats. Like you I'm short of stature nd they just look wrong on me but fantastic on others. I plumped for a shaggy cream coat from Next. Lynne xx

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    1. And you picked a lovely coat for yourself - I love cream coats but they do terrify me - I know I can be a bit of a dirt magnet so I tend to pick cream things which I know can go in a washing machine! And yes, being small can be a bit of a challenge with some of these "chunkier" coats and making sure that they don't swamp our frames.

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  13. Coats coats coats. So much variety. The Topshop coat is amazing. It look 1,000% better on you than in the stock photo. I love the color. :] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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    1. Thank you Carmen - that's very kind! I love the colour too!

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  14. Perfect choice and slightly different to the ones I've seen - it's the colour I think which is absolutely perfect

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    1. Yes - the colour is a bit different - it's not the colour that's being pushed at the moment but it is still technically a colour! That will do me!

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  15. I actually like the one you've ended up with! Much as I love camel, I think it's a bit too sharply cut for my casual wardrobe. And um, who ever needs more than one coat.. hahahha!! BTW that clutch you're holding wearing the the M&S coat looks interesting!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  16. You have gone back for that Zara one right??? It's amazing on you (as is the Topshop one but that's a different coat so you can so get away with having both this season...!) x

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  17. I am exhausted. And half way down i began to panic that you wouldn't have a coat by the time I reached the end!!! Please say you're going back for the Zara fur? So, so gorgeous on you :)

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Susie So So