Here’s the coat I think I’m going to buy–and actually keep:
The wide and deep lapel, together with the upside-down V at the bottom, contribute to a shape that is more hourglassy than rectangular. Thanks to the lack of buttons and the generous wrap style, there’s also no danger of gapping or strum-strum, and it’s roomy enough to wear bulky layers underneath. The 10% cashmere makes it soft, and the 70% wool will make it nice and warm. I’m disappointed that the closure isn’t real leather, but I think there may be a way to replace it.
I felt pretty smug for discovering this coat before reading about it in October’s O Magazine. Adam Glassman says it flatters every body type because of the adjustable fastening.
Good luck trying to find it in red, though! I’ve seen it in black everywhere, in camel on the Ralph Lauren website, and in something called “czar tan” at Lord & Taylor. You can also spend over five times more for a similar coat from Akris Punto, made with wool/angora fabric from Italy and using a real leather closure instead of a fake one.
I ordered this coat in size 16 from Nordstrom on September 5. A few weeks ago, I saw that size 16 was sold out at both Nordstrom and Macy’s, but now they’re back. That’s good for me because until midnight tonight, this coat is also on sale at Macy’s for just $250. (If you decide to buy it, please do so by clicking the link in the previous sentence or the one above the first photo so that Hourglassy gets little commission.) Needless to say, I’ve re-ordered it on sale and am sending my original purchase back to Nordstrom. Lessons learned about coat-shopping early: (1) You’re more likely to find something you like in your size; and (2) you’re ready for surprise sales.
I found this to be true again while browsing the Macy’s site this morning. I discovered that the Betsey Johnson corset-style coat that a lot of you liked is also available in plus sizes for those of us who can’t fit the size 14 that I wrote about. And it’s ON SALE. I can hardly contain my excitement!
If you buy the straight size TODAY, you save $90, and if you use the code FALL, you save another 15%. If you buy the plus size today, you save $80, plus another 15% with the same code. I ordered the size 16, and the total before taxes came to $272–a giant difference from the original price of $400.
Wait. There’s more. If you’ve been yearning for one of those 100% cashmere coats from Lee Lee’s Valise that I wrote about, you can get 20% off online today only with the code COLUMBUS. That Grace Jones coat that I told you was over $800? It’s really called the Mary coat, and it’s only $628. After the 20% discount, that comes to $502.40 pre-tax. (By the way, Hourglassy does not receive any commissions if you purchase through this link, but don’t let that stop you!)
It looks like I’m going to end up with another black coat. I really, really, really tried to find something in a flattering color. However, whether I choose the Lauren Ralph Lauren coat or the Betsey Johnson corset coat, at least I’m not going to end up with a black coat equivalent of the plain black bikini that I bought this summer. Actually, until I began shopping, I didn’t realize that that’s what I was already wearing!
Here are my other Macy’s tries. They’re each Anne Klein, and they’re each size 16. The reason I’m so focused on Macy’s this year is that we’ve somehow earned enough points from our bank for a $200 Macy’s gift card. If only I had liked one of the coats below, that would have translated to a free coat! As it is, I’ll probably use the gift card towards one of my finalists (which means I won’t get the benefit of these sales, but I’ll be saving $200 instead) . . . unless I find something else in the meantime that blows them out of the water.
fyi–Nordstrom matches prices as long as item you are purchasing-from macys-is in stock in size and color you want–just give them a call and they will adjust–or bring in receipt with print out of item and price
I had no idea. Thanks for the tip!
I found a RL cardi at the outlet mall and found it online, decided to wait, and now it’s gone. Used the same faux leather fastener to give a waist – very similar silhouette. Gorgeous. RL is wide enough in the shoulders but small in the ribs/chest/back on me. I think I need plus sizing…
That’s a gorgeous coat on you. I like the blue, lower, also.
I may have tried the same one on at an outlet mall over here! And speaking of waiting, last night I saw a RL leather jacket in nutmeg but decided to wait and only put it on my wish list. Today, size 16 was GONE. It’s so hard to find brown leather jackets. Now I’m kicking myself, although it’s probably better that I’m not facing the temptation.
I found my splurge coat. Check out the video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hrgNaSjaS_s&feature=c4-feed-u
The Azurean coat had plenty of bust room. I tried it on in a 14 at a craft show, and it was a tiny bit snug, but bottoned just fine for me. Darlene, I believe we have quite similar measurements.
It is also ideal for short torso end people. And she can custom size or color. It was such a well made coat. For any of you with a $600 budget, this coat is amazing. Available at http://www.crowncoats.com. Her website is terrible but I met her just a few months ago.
Oh and the back details make your butt look awesome!
SO amazing! Thanks for sharing this before I snip the price tags off of anything, Jame. There is a perfect justification for a splurge like this–it’s 2X the price of the coats I’m considering, but of a much higher quality. Any coat purchase is like a splurge for me, and once I spend money on one, I’m not buying another for years. So I’d rather really, really splurge and get something amazing to last those years.
That blue coat on the video is gooorgeous but I’m at work and did not listen to the sound so just wondering that do they make more bust room or is it a standard sized coat? The buttoning and fit is the kind that I never even dream of fitting into 🙁
I’ve just sent the designer an email, and she’s in NYC October 25-27, so I’m hoping to ask her these questions. I’ll keep you posted.
She cut with a little extra bust room. I am about a 34h uk and fit into the 14. The shoulders were a bit snug for me. And the buttons needed maybe a quarter inch more room. Surprising considering I really need a 16 in coats. It was magical. 🙂
Love that draped coat, does it stay closed in the breeze well? And can the collar be lifted up?
Oh thank you, Tina! I was beginning to worry that no one liked it on me, as it certainly isn’t body-hugging. No, the collar can’t be lifted up. I haven’t tested it in winds yet!
I like the assymetrical lines and a winter coat must have some room for layers so I find the fit normal and far more flattering than any of the button up coats! It also looks classier in my opinion.
Streamlined is more my style, so I think this one is the frontrunner. I feel elegant in it.
you look elegant in it too!