Had plans for a new winter coat. A coat that would be of good quality, timeless, a classic that would last for many many seasons. It should be a red coat. Or possibly an orange or dark pink one. The fit should be flattering and with a feminine silhouette, A-line is fine too. I don't think I have unreasonable expectations or demands on the model, fit or look of said coat.
I still really don't, but so far I've searched in vain. Because most winter coats apparently suffer from one or other or all of these faults;
a) crap quality and poor craftsmanship
b) far too high price for bad quality
c) incredibly boring colours
d) incredibly boring and/or unflattering designs
and most of all
e) the coats are sewn for men/boys or women with very thin bodies, very broad shoulders, very long arms, invisible breasts and no hips at all.
I've looked in shops, I've searched online - but as much as I find it practical to order things online I really do prefer trying on garments like this before I purchase - so far in vain.
I actually ordered one online -
it wasn't a feminine coat, it was a classic, pretty duffel coat in a wonderful apple green hue and it was 60% sale and the price was rather awesome given the quality so I thought I'd give it a go. I'd love to have an apple green outer garment, I've had a dream of that for years but never stumbled over the perfect piece, so why not try. Even if my body type isn't the preferable one for a duffel model, it is a great and timeless piece on others, though not on me. But perhaps I was wrong, perhaps an apple green one would be perfect? -
it arrived today. It suffered poorly from the e) above. Or, well, it was actually a decent fit over shoulders and arms. Hips not at all. If it wasn't so infuriating it would be laughable. And besides, the apple green wasn't at all as apple green as it was on screen, more olive green. So not what I was looking for. Needless to say it will be returned.
I still hope my red (or orange or pink) dream coat is out there somewhere, to fit me perfectly and being a friendly winter companion for years to come. Somewhere it waits for our paths to cross. Hopefully it'll happen before winter is over. Because I really do need something lovely looking, kind, fun and possibly a bit quirky in a perfect fit to wrap its warming arms around me asap.
So for now, no coat. Well, at least not the perfect coat, just something wearable while waiting for the perfect coat to come my way.
I, also, was really frustrated with coat shopping. Last year I just decided to order one from a seamstress (who also happened to be a sister, so doubly-convenient), who was able to alter a pattern exactly how I wanted it to fit perfectly (and I ordered my fabric online ahead of time so I could also get exactly the color I wanted). It can be kind of expensive, but I highly recommend doing something like this. My coat is so perfectly ME.
ReplyDeleteYou know, you've lived with your body long enough to probably already know what kind of cut and length look good on you, and if you aren't sure you can try on some store styles just to see (this is what I did). A seamstress/tailor can take a general pattern and make it fit just so to your shape.
Good luck with your hunt!
Most of my clothes these days are second hand. I'm very happy to live in a posh area where the posh ladies don't want to wear their expensive clothes for more than a season. There's always a chance you won't find what you need, but i'm now the owner of 2 'new' winter coats!
ReplyDeleteMost of my clothes these days are second hand. I'm very happy to live in a posh area where the posh ladies don't want to wear their expensive clothes for more than a season. There's always a chance you won't find what you need, but i'm now the owner of 2 'new' winter coats!
ReplyDelete