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Dear Readers,
Some women love shoes, many love jewelry. I love coats. I vividly remember the coat my mother made for me when I was just three years old. It was a soft dove grey, princess cut, double breasted coat with shiny silver buttons, fur trim and a bonnet to match! It was absolutely adorable, and I loved feeling like the royal child of a beautiful queen. Many years later, after developing a much more sophisticated approach to dressing, I purchased a stunning cashmere coat by Nina Ricci of Paris.
It was dove grey, princess cut, double breasted with shiny silver buttons and a sumptuous Persian lamb collar. Oh yes, and a hat to match. Admittedly quite a splurge, but worth every single penny. When I walked down the street in that ensemble, I felt like a star on the movie set of Dr. Zhivago.
And THAT, my friends, is the way one is supposed to feel in their winter best. |
 So Many Coats, So Little Time! |
 | | Beautifully tailored, always classic, the long coat by Calvin Klein |
Fortunately for us, styles today are more streamlined and figure flattering than in years past. Note: the beautiful fit of the Calvin Klein coat pictured on the right.
Our fashion guru, Tim Gunn, offers these words of wisdom:
"Pay special attention to the fit of outerwear. Most people, both men and women alike, believe that extra roominess in coats and jackets is an asset. It's not. It has the potential to make you look like a circus tent."
On the other hand, a coat should not look skimpy or hug you like a seaweed body wrap. Instead, it should skim your body and fit you like a well tailored suit jacket. You need ample wiggle room, particularly in the arms, shoulders, and across the back. Sleeves need to be long enough to touch your wrist bone when you extend your arm full-out in front of you. (Always a good litmus test for proper sleeve length on any top, jacket or sweater, actually.)
I am loathe to report that more and more brands nowadays come in small, medium and large sizes as opposed to the standard sizes [4,6,8, etc.]. I can't help but wonder . . . why do they do that? Don't they know it's hard enough to find a good fit when the coats are sized properly? So, here's an idea. When you go shopping, wear a sweater or jacket you will likely wear under the coat once you get it home.
Then judge the size based on that fit.
Next to fit, style is probably the most important flatter factor.
What's your pleasure . . . Classic? Military? Portrait collar? Fur-trimmed? 50's tweed? Full length wrap?
Take your pick, ladies. There are tons of style choices out there this year and one of them definitely has your name on it.
Some unsolicited free advice about coat styles:
- If you are 'top heavy', or if you like to wear your coat open, do not choose a double breasted style . . . Unless, of course, you enjoy looking really big and really square.
- Please avoid quilted, puffy, down filled, full length coats. The Michelin Man look is definitely out, and hopefully, it will never ever be seen again.
- Unless you would like to add pounds to your frame, stay away from plaids, leathers and shiny metallics. You never want to be mistaken for a very small car with your high beams on.
Happy Holidays to you and God bless us, every one.
Warm regards,
Nancy
My around town calendar for January 2011:
- January 15 - "Mayslake Ministries Women's Retreat: "Women Who Do Too Much". Special presentation by Nancy Pipal: Goodbye Closet Clutter - Hello Freedom! Lombard, IL. Call 630.268.9000 for retreat information.
- January 18 - Indian Prairie Library - Darien, IL. Tuesday night at 7pm. Special presentation by Nancy Pipal : Shopping in your Closet! [Open to the public.] Would love to see all my Style File readers who live in the area!
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| Reader F A Q | |
Q. What length winter coat would you recommend? And what fabrics are best?
A. No more rules! When it comes to length, your coat can be shorter than your skirt or dress, or it can be longer. Your choice.
Personally, I prefer a longer coat.... just below the curve of the calf. With knee high boots, it has always been, and always will be, a classic look. And with jeans or trousers? Tres chic.
For evening, I like a shorter look. A simple knee length, single breasted, classically tailored coat with a bit of fur trim; or a short shrug style jacket in faux fur works beautifully with dresses or pants. Not as warm, of course, but so what? Who cares? As long as valet parking is an option, I'll even wear strappy heels on New Year's Eve! But please, don't ask me to dance. And best choice coat fabrics? High quality fabric is of the utmost importance. Today's blends of nylon, wool and cashmere are ideal. The nylon gives your coat strength and resilience, the wool provides warmth, and the cashmere? Of course, it will add a few more dollars to the price, but it will also add a priceless touch of softness and luxury. Some mid-priced brands worth a peek are Donna Karan, Ellen Tracy, Kenneth Cole, BCBG and Calvin Klein. I'm also quite impressed with JCrew, Talbot's and Ann Taylor coats this season. Q. I see so many sequined tank tops, sweaters and skirts and wonder . . . is it just a fad or can I buy something with sequins and wear it for a few years?
A. Honestly? I can only give you my advice on this, not a definitive yes or no answer: Sequins were a strong trend last year, and continue to show up in all the stores again this year. But, according to Harper's Bazaar, solid sequined tops, skirts and pants are already passe. However, for special occasions and particularly for the holidays, sequins and rhinestones are a classic way to dress up any outfit. They have been considered a stylish dash of glamour for many decades.
So, you're safe if you keep the sequined look to just a little top under a jacket, or a sprinkle across a scarf, gloves or hat.
Wear sequins during the holidays as your touch of festive sparkle and fun, and have yourself a ball!
Want a great Christmas gift idea for a special friend or family member? A gift that will have them singing the alleluia chorus even if they can't sing? Think about a Gift Certificate for my time and service!
contact me for price details:
nancypipal@gmail.com
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