Running-errands wear
Rushing out to the store, picking up kids, taking your mother somewhere on short notice: prime schlumpadinka territory, where we throw something on, thinking they're just lucky we're doing it.
But then you run into that Ms Big with whom you just interviewed for a job, or your mother wants to stop "someplace nice" for lunch, and you might wish you hadn't been not quite so heedless.
In a good coat, you're covered
Assuming you aren't wearing sweats underneath, a smart coat will repel any oh-I-wish-I-were-better-dressed thoughts.
I chose these for their ability to elevate whatever's underneath. Each had to be long enough to pull together the everyday sweater and pants which you were wearing before you rushed out. No motos, maddening to dress around, and unkind to many figures. No prints, fun but demanding to throw on without thought.
J. Cre
w wool Harbour Peacoat; ethereal colour (dried violet), topstitching and graceful lavish collar. Definitely not Army/Navy store gear, $220; some colours on sale.
Elizabeth and James shearling vest, to
toss over your jeans and neutral sweater (but not worn with idiotic open-toed boots with which Saks styled it).
$795 from Saks Fifth Avenue; international shipping.
Hi from where it's cold. Moncler's long Melina coat provides pulled-together cover, the treat of fur trim, and rich dark olive, a welcome respite from black.
A Moncler coat is like wearing your own well-designed, heated house; $1,375 from Barney's.
For those in milder climates, or looking ahead to spring, this taupe Gryphon chain and grommet trim coat gives a sharp, clean line without being boring, $645 from Nordstrom.
Jessica Simpson (to my surprise a rather tailored line) turns in this snappy trench in rich cobalt.
A coloured coat is a time-honoured trick for diverting the eye and lifting spirits–yours and those who regard you. Price is a reasonable $138 from Nordstrom.
In warm c
limates you could could reach for Diane von Furstenberg's Brandy, a softly draped metallic sheer jacket.
Smocking at the center back lends shape, and it's hand washable. $285 from Nordstrom; international shipping.
A jean jacket might be too short, but the denim trench neatly intersects casual and crisp. And this one, $149 from Talbot's, is machine-washable.
Burberry's leather trim cotton jacket ($895) will be sold out on Net-a-porter by the time you admire it, but it's so thunderously chic I had to show it.
Find a topper that denies you have not thought about your attire, throw on over neutrals–and dash out with verve.
But then you run into that Ms Big with whom you just interviewed for a job, or your mother wants to stop "someplace nice" for lunch, and you might wish you hadn't been not quite so heedless.
In a good coat, you're covered
Assuming you aren't wearing sweats underneath, a smart coat will repel any oh-I-wish-I-were-better-dressed thoughts.
I chose these for their ability to elevate whatever's underneath. Each had to be long enough to pull together the everyday sweater and pants which you were wearing before you rushed out. No motos, maddening to dress around, and unkind to many figures. No prints, fun but demanding to throw on without thought.
J. Cre
w wool Harbour Peacoat; ethereal colour (dried violet), topstitching and graceful lavish collar. Definitely not Army/Navy store gear, $220; some colours on sale. Elizabeth and James shearling vest, to
toss over your jeans and neutral sweater (but not worn with idiotic open-toed boots with which Saks styled it).$795 from Saks Fifth Avenue; international shipping.
Hi from where it's cold. Moncler's long Melina coat provides pulled-together cover, the treat of fur trim, and rich dark olive, a welcome respite from black.A Moncler coat is like wearing your own well-designed, heated house; $1,375 from Barney's.
For those in milder climates, or looking ahead to spring, this taupe Gryphon chain and grommet trim coat gives a sharp, clean line without being boring, $645 from Nordstrom.
Jessica Simpson (to my surprise a rather tailored line) turns in this snappy trench in rich cobalt.A coloured coat is a time-honoured trick for diverting the eye and lifting spirits–yours and those who regard you. Price is a reasonable $138 from Nordstrom.
In warm c
limates you could could reach for Diane von Furstenberg's Brandy, a softly draped metallic sheer jacket.Smocking at the center back lends shape, and it's hand washable. $285 from Nordstrom; international shipping.
A jean jacket might be too short, but the denim trench neatly intersects casual and crisp. And this one, $149 from Talbot's, is machine-washable.
Burberry's leather trim cotton jacket ($895) will be sold out on Net-a-porter by the time you admire it, but it's so thunderously chic I had to show it. Find a topper that denies you have not thought about your attire, throw on over neutrals–and dash out with verve.
Comments
Where I live winters are cold too, but I really don't like self in long coats, probably because I'm not much taller than the famous Lizzes (da Queen and Taylor). I feel they weigh me down and make me feel less agile, and the Goddess knows that we have to keep walking at a good pace in the wintertime (I don't ride my bicycle in icy, snowy weather).
It is a good time now to go in search of coats, whether for the depths of winter or a slightly lighter coat - I'll be travelling to Europe at winter's end for work so I need something transitional - it can be chilly and damp, though I doubt the current snow will still be on the ground in Belgium and Paris.
Pseu, if you go up to San Francisco I imagine you'd need something a bit warmer for that chill damp air they can get on the Bay.
Jane: Fitted pea coats are jaunty! I like them cut a bit on the long side, to cover the seat.
lagatta: That's so exciting, maybe you would be willing to do a guest post on observations from your trip?
sisty: One of my all time favourite books; I carry her advice in my head all the time- which is why I don't care for "jeggings" on women over 19. I caught Rita Wilson (no doing makeovers) on Oprah yesterday and thought "Madame would NOT find her 'well and properly' dressed."
LPC: Gryphon not easy to find but worth searching for.
Hostess: We both seem to have become particular about coats, but when they are right, you are all set.
She also thinks that pierced ears are barbarian, but we'll cut her a little slack.....
Anyway, I 100% agree with you (and Madame) about coats. And not black coats, either -- colorful ones!
Frugal: And they last!
Jane: Good pea coats are surprisingly durable. Five and going strong is very good!
Belle: I amuse myself imagining Jessica Simpson arriving for her licensing meetings and being shown the clothes. The few items I've seen were nicely made.
materfamilias: And I still think of that Oscar de la Renta jacket at Thrill!
metscan: I saw the most exquisite shade of mink the other day, mid-grey with the lightest undertone of lilac. Very minimal style, like a collarless jacket, hip length. Worn with jeans and high boots, by a woman about 23.
I am working on a workshop for business women about how their "off-hours" style can affect their bottom line. That means you THINK about an outfit you can wear to the store at 11p.m. to pick up a gallon of Ben and Jerry's that you would'nt be MORTIFIED to run into a client or prospect in.