Style

Style: Over it All

I’m in need of a new winter coat. I bought a fantastic one way back in 2003 by DKNY that I still love: military styling, to the knee, double-breasted eggplant wool with fuchsia lining, buttons, and contrast stitching. It was crazy-expensive to me, especially since until that coat, I had always bought cheap ones at places like Target, Old Navy, NY&Co, or The Limited. But when I was buying a new coat every year because they pilled and fell apart, they no longer seemed like such a bargain. I think I spent $475 on that eggplant coat, but considering I’ve worn it every year for a decade, that’s not so bad.

It’s a size 14 though, which is too big for me now. It was too big last year too, but I didn’t want to buy an nice replacement when I wasn’t sure if my weight loss would continue. (Nope! Size 8/10, looks like you’re here to stay.) I bought a smaller cheap coat last winter, and guess what? The wool is pilling, the shoulders don’t lie right, and it’s missing two buttons. Time to buy something of better quality.

I know what shapes tend to suit me, and I usually choose something with a little definition in the waist. I love coats like this or this, but I have a tummy and a booty; if a coat doesn’t nip in at the small of my back, I look huge. (Unless it’s a cape! Then I just look awesome.)

These are some of the coats I’m considering. Do you have any others you’d recommend? Certain brands that have held up exceedingly well for you?

Overcoats

  1. Eryn Coat, Kate Spade

  2. Long Peacoat, Navy — Emerson Fry

  3. Double-Cloth Tipped Coat, J. Crew

  4. Stella Coat with Haircalf Collar, Club Monaco at Shopbop

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  • Anne
    October 3, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Guh, I just love emerson frye. I have a wool peacoat from jcrew and while I love it the buttons have all come off at one point or another. Not a huge deal but annoying.

  • Tara
    October 3, 2013 at 11:54 am

    J. Crew has always worked well for me!

    • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
      October 4, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Yes. Myself also. Cranberry coat #3 is very beautiful. Lovely details.

      The Zara coat is also nice …. either shade. Pics make it look cozy + warm.

  • Erica
    October 3, 2013 at 11:56 am

    I have a nice Cole Haan coat that I bought about four years ago that I love, love, love! It has a really dramatic collar and is soooo soft.

    I got it or a steal, like 80 bucks, at Unclaimed Bagage in Scottsboro, AL, where everyone’s lost luggage winds up. It’s a voyeuristic thrifter’s paradise, I tell you.

  • Jennifer Flagg
    October 3, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Wow, you have very expensive taste! Just wondering what the demographic of your site is, because while I love the items you post/use/talk about/buy they are so far off my budget it is not even a joke. It is making it hard for me to stay a loyal reader because it seems you are not speaking to the everyday woman. Keep me reading!

    • Making it Lovely
      October 3, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      I do hope you’ll stick around! I knew that this would probably come up, which is why, in the post, I explained the reason for spending more on a quality coat. I’ll put more money toward something that I know I will use for a long time, and that I expect to hold up. It’s unseasonably warm right now, but a winter coat is worn in Chicagoland as early as October and as late as April. That’s a lot of wear and tear on a clothing item that will see daily use through a sometimes harsh winter, and it’s the first thing people see when you’re out and about. I can wear a $5 tee underneath and still feel put together if I have a beautiful coat on top! Sometimes it’s a false economy to go for the cheapest option, and I find that to be the case with outerwear.

      • kathryn
        October 3, 2013 at 1:07 pm

        well put. :)

      • Mandi
        October 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm

        Nicole, I just wanted to say that I’m probably around the “average” woman” price point (I make $30kish a year and am a single-income household) and while some of the things you post are too expensive for me right now, I’ve been reading Making It Lovely for years and I think you offer generally a great range of prices. For example, I totally snatched that Old Navy back-zip top you posted the other day!

        I’m think it’s better to splurge on big items, like a coat, because even the cheap ones can be a little pricey and, as you pointed out, that ends up costing more in the long run.

        For what it’s worth, I’ve had a Miss Sixty peacoat for about 5 years now and it has held up beautifully. I’m not sure it’s really your style (it’s black with bright red satin lining and red contrast stitching), but I wanted to throw in my $0.02 :)

      • Hally
        October 4, 2013 at 4:57 pm

        I think that is very well put. It would be nice though (totally your perogative of course) if you could point us in the direction you would go IF you did have to spend considerably less. More like you’re shopping with a good friend who can’t spend as much… what would you pick for her? Hopefully that makes sense.

    • Holly
      October 3, 2013 at 1:28 pm

      One of the things I love the most about Making it Lovely is that Nicole has always stayed true to herself.

    • spark
      October 3, 2013 at 7:11 pm

      I like reading Nicole’s ideas on the range of topics she covers. I like that there is a strong sense of personal identity in the pages here. I love magazines but get tired of the impersonal tone and the marketing aspect of them. I don’t want Nicole to try and cater to every woman as I feel some of that “Nicole” magic will be lost. My household has gone from a $250k plus to $30 000 (hello career change) however during both stages of income level, I have always seen great design at accessible price points on this site. I live in Australia so a thick Winter coat is not necessary where I live but I still enjoyed reading this post and all the comments.

  • Jenny
    October 3, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    Jcrew is always a worthwhile investment. Be sure to check out Garnet Hill, too, and catch a sale. I have an amazing black coat I got from their site a few years ago, and I’ve been planning on having it tailored, because it is now way too big. I have a short peacoat from Jcrew that still looks brand new, and has held up really well.. Also have an amazing coat by elvenses c/o Anthropologie that is a simple cream with a to-die-for bright and wild floral lining.

    • Jenny
      October 3, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      *elevenses

      • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
        October 4, 2013 at 12:40 pm

        Ohmy. Just love Garnet Hill. Been a customer for years. Off season has wonderful values. Fab quality. In the “olden days” …. you could get totally lucky with (leftover!) shams or pillowcases anywhere from $2 – 4 bucks. Purchased many times for the children. Can’t find similar bargains these days.

    • Making it Lovely
      October 3, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      I’m a sucker for a good lining.

  • meghan
    October 3, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Why not get the eggplant coat taken in? If you buy quality and take care of it, it will last- you could probably still get a new coat, but then you would be building your quality pieces. I used to love JCrew coats, but now find their linings and buttons fall to pieces. Burberry quality went through a dip when they switched manufacturing, but I feel like it may be back, Cole Haan- I loooove their coats and still dream about an epic autumn orange number that I passed on years ago because of the price. Coats are the best. (ps- have you tried looking at off-5th- sometimes they have beautiful things at nearing affordable prices and Loeman’s

    • Making it Lovely
      October 3, 2013 at 12:16 pm

      Taking it in is a great suggestion! Brandon and I have talked about possibly expanding the family in the next couple of years though, which would mean an expanding me, but maybe I’m being silly for holding onto it for that reason. I could have it taken in and enjoy it now, versus holding onto it for something that may not happen.

    • mindi
      October 3, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      I’m with Meghan on this! I had a Banana Republic coat for many years that I took good care of, and it lasted me through many a Chicago winter. When it finally really did bite the dust, I splurged on a J Crew coat…only to find that in three months (it was also a warm winter, so even less wear) the lining was shot, the buttons were all falling off, and the cuffs were worn. I did write them a letter of complaint, and they paid for a new lining…but the cuffs are still quite worn and I, sadly, don’t see getting much more use out of it.

      I’ll still wear it ’til the bitter end, but I’m thinking I may permanently switch to the bright red “going-out” coat I have…that is vintage from Unique thrift. A find, for sure: it has a fur collar, cost $7, and is holding up beautifully.

      Whatever your decision, good luck on your quest! Finding good, quality things is, I think, getting harder and harder these days.

      Cheers!

      • Kelly
        October 4, 2013 at 1:51 am

        I have had two JCrew coats with the same experience as Mindi. The lining does not survive one year! I had them repaired at the tailor, but it just doesn’t seem worth it, and they certainly won’t last you 10 years.

        I’m impressed you have had your coat for so long too! I get bored with them after a year or two and want something different. I’ve lived in DC and now Vienna, Austria so I understand the long coat time of year!

        I’m hunting for a new one now and appreciate the Zara link! Thanks!

      • Tanja
        October 4, 2013 at 6:57 am

        A well tailored quality coat really does make a difference and since you still love your coat I’d really take it in.

        I guess you’ve lived long enough in Chicago to know how to get through a cold winter, but honestly – aren’t you freezing during the coldest days? I live in Austria and starting in late October I wear a woollen coat but during really freezing periods of time (December/January)my classic navy blue down coat is just the best choice.

  • Stephanie
    October 3, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    So jealous that you can wear capes! I am short with big shoulders, and every time I try one on (I do keep trying!) I look like I’m wearing a garbage bag.

    I am considering this coat:

    http://www.soiakyo.com/ca/en/reiko-forest-wool-coat-with-open-collar-and-fur-trim

    They’re a Canadian company. I bought my first ‘grown up’ coat from them several years ago and I’ve been really happy with the quality. (Unfortunately, I picked a black and white houndstooth style that was apparently very popular that year, so, though it seemed like a classic, my coat felt kind of ‘old’ very quickly.) But super warm, good fit.

    • Eileen
      October 4, 2013 at 8:50 am

      I looooooove my Soia & Kyo and am a native Chicagoan. Got it four years ago and it is still like new. I get stopped on the street all the time to ask where I got it. Spendy but totally totally worth it.

  • Pat
    October 3, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    I have a 7 year old knee-length coral winter coat from J.CREW that still looks brand new and I continue to get compliments on it to this day. They have wonderful colors and the quality can’t be beat. Mine is lined with Thinsulate for extra warmth. I think it was around $350 when I purchased it back then.

  • Heidi
    October 3, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    I’d go with the Emerson Frye coat. It’s gorgeous and made in NYC. I’m biased, but I find the quality of American made pieces to be much higher than most of the imported options.

  • caroline
    October 3, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    http://www.soiakyo.com/

    LOVE this coat company – have a fall/rain coat and now a winter coat from them. Great colors and quality. Expensive but lasts and I get soooo many compliments due to the fit and design. Hope that helps! C

  • Emily
    October 3, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Have you tried out Boden? I love their coats. They look to have some lovelies this season, too (per usual!).

  • Jennifer
    October 3, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    For long winter coats, I always had luck shopping at Lord & Taylor (my last one was Calvin Klein). When I lived on the East Coast for 16 years, I would only buy coats back home in Chicago because the selection and prices were so much better.

    I had a wool J.Crew short coat that I love, but the lining is falling out of it (after about 6 years of use).

    Of the ones above, I like the Emerson Fry and Kate Spade the best. :) Good luck!

  • caitlin frost
    October 3, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    I need a new coat, too, since my husband got tough stuff all over mine.
    The last two I’ve gotten from Zara. Not as pricey–around $275–and I don’t wear them as long–4 years–but not because they don’t hold up, because after four years I’m ready for change.

  • Hannah
    October 3, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    I’ve had terrible luck with J. Crew. I’ve bought two in my life and while expensive the buttons fell off or (broke in half in one instance) and the lining shredded in short order. The wool didn’t hold up the way I wanted it to and I was really disappointed. Not what you’re going for in a $300 coat.

  • Whitney
    October 3, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    I’ve had great luck with a wool J Crew coat! I like that you can add thinsulate. So warm and the coat holds up really well!

  • Laurie
    October 3, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    I always come back to my pea coat. Classic style, comfortable fit (even over a sweater) and big pockets for keys, wallet, etc. It also, somehow, dresses up jeans so that I feel very spiffy.

  • Robin-Lynn
    October 3, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    I have a Calvin Klein one, going on 5 years… Still looks fantastic! Single button ( double breasted doesn’t work for me, me ta-ta’s are TA-TA’s) but also with a cinched in back. It’s perfect, I love it. I will never let her go.

  • Sam
    October 3, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    I got a peacoat from Jcrew a couple of years ago for a steal (I think $80) at one of the end of the season sales. It’s held up great. If you can be patient it might be worth waiting.

  • Whitney
    October 3, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    FYI, my J Crew coat is 6 years old and from other comments it sounds like the quality of construction has gone down since then.

  • Torey
    October 3, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Bought a JCrew coat (or two) a number of years back on super clearance, but as someone else mentioned the lining went to crap. My sister had the same thing happen on her JCrew coat too. Now this was probably almost 10 years ago, so no idea what the quality is like today. Have you considered Land’s End? They have a great guarantee, so if it fell apart after a year you can take it back and get your money back! I have a peacoat that I got there when I was in high school (scary that was 20 years ago). Anyway it hasn’t been worn constantly (more like a few weeks every year), but it still looks great.

    • Christen
      October 5, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      Yes to Lands End! They have reasonable prices ($100-200 for coats and you can normally get 40-60% off) and great quality. They have some trendy styles in their Canvas line and more classic styles as well. Both my wool coat and heavy down coat are from there.

  • Ali Burtt
    October 3, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    I’ve had several J. Crew coats over the years and while the linings in the older coats were a problem, the ones I’ve purchased recently have been better. That said, the cloth, even the double cloth, is not going to be warm enough for Chicago. It’s not even warm enough for DC–I know because I owned the double cloth with the special lining and froze for three years. I haven’t had that problem with their wool coats though on the coldest days, I still upgrade to an ugly black puffer I picked up at Macys. So I hope that helps.

  • Emily
    October 3, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    I love coats! Let me ramble on … I have a 10+ year old black Gap double-breasted peacoat (that I got new on eBay at the time) that has held up well all these years (and through a NYC winter). I also (surprisingly) have been happy with a lovely long dark green coat with brassy buttons I got at H&M while I lived in NYC. The buttons have fallen off a few times, but re-sewing them hasn’t been a hassle. I live in TX now so my use for coats is much more limited than you.

    I’ve also been really happy with the quality of coats at Anthro. These are my go-to ones (obviously you’d probably need a heavier one):

    http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22761449

    http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp%3Bjsessionid=8496CF13FF9B548258B954843A16E43E.app42-node4?fromCategoryPage=&selectedProductSize=&navAction=poppush&navCount=1&parentid=APP_OUTERWEAR_COATS&sortProperties=marketingPriority&id=810229&selectedProductSize1=

    And I love this one:

    http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-jackets-outervest/29263779.jsp?cm_sp=Fluid-_-29263779-_-Regular_38

    Hope you find one you love!

  • Cher
    October 3, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    I purchased a Lady Day coat from J Crew eight years ago for reasons similar to yours and it still looks brand-new. Classic cut, tailoring, and (like you) I have a booty and tumny. Also, it holds up GREAT in Chicago weather. I got it in black because that’s all I wear but they have it in other colors as well.

    • Cher
      October 3, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      Oh, I forgot- Mine has the “thinsulate” which is the reason it is warm enough in the freakishly cold weather here.

  • iris
    October 3, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    I just bought LL Bean’s Lambswool Duffel coat for $200 and it’s really nice. It’s my autumn/spring coat, though (with thinsulation) not my this-is-serious-winter coat. But it’s still lovely, with some nice little vertical detailing: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78460?page=classic-lambswool-duffel-coat

  • Eve
    October 3, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    I bought a coat from United Colors of Benetton in 2003 on sale for less than $100, and it is still going strong after 10 years. No pilling on the wool, buttons are a tad looser but haven’t required reinforcing yet, and the lining is intact. There is a tiny mud spot on the sleeve that no dry cleaner has managed to get out, but otherwise the coat looks great. In Chicago I wear it from October to around Christmas time, then again from March through April (January and February I sacrifice fashion and impersonate an Eskimo in my LL Bean jacket). It is the best investment on clothing I’ve made so far.

  • Ellen
    October 3, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Such pretty coats, but are they warm enough? From the pics on their respective sites, it looks like the Emerson Fry and Club Monaco choices are kind of boxy. The J.Crew Lady Day coat with thinsulate might work (caveat: quality issues mentioned). And at the risk of sounding like an old lady (which, I sort of am), the Lands’ Endy Luxe Wool Walker Coat http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-luxe-wool-walker-coat/id_258752 has pretty seaming in the back, pretty colors and a liberal return policy.

  • Katie f
    October 3, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    If you’re into investment for coats, which I totally get your reasoning, Mackage is my very favorite brand. Vintage ish styling, super high quality, made in Canada (weird, but charming). I have a Theory coat that I spent way more on, and it pills. The Mackage is the best.

  • Laurie
    October 3, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Oaky, I am short (5’4″) a size 8/10 and curvy too and have had great luck with Banana Republic’s classic winter coats. I purchased three of them a few years ago and they’ve stood the test of time and Winter. Good luck!

  • Jill Browning
    October 3, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    I know Chadwicks isn’t cool, but that’s where I got my last wool coat. ;) I’ve had it about 4-5 years, and my only problem with it was a minor toggle issue that was easily fixed. I think this one is pretty cute and moderately priced: http://www.chadwicks.com/item/10292/400108/hooded-toggle-coat-misses

    The one I own is also the burnt orange color, and I get lots of compliments! I only wear it about half the season, though. Southern Indiana winters aren’t quite as cold as yours, but when it gets down in the single digits, I turn to my trusty enormous down coat, which is about as attractive as wearing a feather bed. Comfort before style in freezing weather!!

  • Clare
    October 3, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    I just ordered a lovely Tahari coat (in cobalt blue with purple lining!) from a Rue La La sale – it was marked down to $150 from $400 – so I felt like I was getting good quality for a bit of a deal. I’m also around an 8/10, and have a hard time finding sleeves that are long enough for my tall-lady arms, so hopefully this one works out. I like to keep an eye out on Rue La La and Gilt (I’m sure there are others I don’t even know about) for brands that I know are good quality and fit me nicely. Good luck!

  • jody
    October 3, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    I just have to weigh in on the J.Crew quality discussion that seems to be going on.

    1. The double cloth is actually wool too, so if you say the wool coats are warm but the double cloth isn’t, you might be a little confusing. Let’s just say that the double cloth is nice because it has a really tight weave that isn’t as bulky (read not as thick) and can be used for a really tailored polished coat. The thick wool coats are also great, but I find that they don’t hold up as well as the double cloth because their color transfers and the pile wears down faster. Which are just natural benefits to the kind of cloth you choose.

    2. Older coats lining will always shred. It’s lining, when it gets old it becomes more delicate, and when you pile on the sweaters (we all do it in the dark bitter days of winter) you are likely to bust a lining seam or two. I think it’s pretty normal to need to replace the lining in coats that you use every day every once in a while. As to the buttons falling off–I will admit that J. Crew buttons aren’t always sewn on properly–but if its a this season coat and this happens they will always send it to their tailor to repair (i.e. sew the button back on) for you. If it’s older than a season, it’s probably due to natural wear and tear (how many times are you fastening that button a day?) and clothing you intend to keep for 5-10-20 years may require maintenance, any other attitude is just irrational.

    3. Some coats are better than others. Its the same anywhere you shop. So look at the seams and buttons and quality of material before you buy. Just because something is being sold for $500 does not mean it is made like a $500 dollar coat. Find the one that is. Or find the one that is $80 that is made like a $500 dollar coat. But realize that you don’t always get what you pay for, if you aren’t careful you might pay for the name, and not for the quality you are looking for.

    Be a conscious consumer–and yes, I have two lady day coats, both with thinsulate, it changes everything.

    So do cashmere scarves, good socks, and an occasional hat.

  • Karin
    October 3, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Check out my friends online store http://helloholiday.com/collections/new-arrivals/outerwear. I’ve always thought you would look great in many pieces of theirs.

  • Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage
    October 3, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    I had a gorgeous Benetton coat I wore for 11 years before it had to be retired. It cost $300 in college. I purchased a cheap coat to replace it, and of course, it’s in terrible condition now. Sadly, if I were to buy a nicer replacement, it would eat up my family’s entire annual clothing allowance, so I’ll just keep it and look shabby.

    Out of the ones you picked for this post, I’d probably get a darker color. I had a white coat for several years and it looked pretty filthy when I was done with it!

    (and bummer that 75% of those examples don’t have above a size 12. Guess I’d have to settle for a wool tent or shell out the extra dough for the Kate Spade size 14)

  • Sarah
    October 3, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    I like the Kate Spade Etta one, but you might look into having your purple coat altered. I would think that a good tailor could do that for you. I’ve also had good luck with J Crew wool coats. I got an enpire waist style one when I was pregnant, and I’ve also worn it on the coldest of winter days ever since.

  • Kate
    October 3, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    Love the idea of altering your existing coat, especially if it has served you so we’ll already. I adore the Diana coat from Boden in Forest (http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Coats/WE402-DGR/Womens-Forrest-Diana-Coat.html), lovely shape and so hard to find a nice green coat! Happy hunting :)

  • Stephanie
    October 3, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    I have 2 wool coats with Thinsulate from J Crew circa 2002 and 03. I still wear them both all the time (although we have much shorter winters in VA than in IL!) but I’ve had no problem with the lining or buttons.

  • Rachel
    October 3, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    I am in love with the classic lines of this wool pea coat from icebreaker. Have you heard of them? Fantastic company that makes top notch apparel from merino wool. You can even “track” your item to see which farm the wool came from!
    It’s rather spendy at $399, but I own a few of their products and they’ve held up super well. I think they also warranty for a year.

    http://us.icebreaker.com/Skyline-Trench/100836C64L,en,pd.html?start=19&cgid=womens-jackets-vests

    Good luck – Stay warm!

  • Julie
    October 3, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    I have to second the J Crew Lady Day coat. Mine is now several years old, still looks great, and I still totally love it. I had the lining repaired last year where it finally wore out in a few spots– something to be expected after wearing it daily in these cold midwest winters year after year. No big deal. I chose the Lady Day to replace the J Crew wool car coat I wore for about eight years. I’ve been very happy with my “investment.” :) Might be worth taking a look. Good luck!

  • Nicole
    October 3, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    I hear you about the need for tailoring at the waist. I wonder if you could pull off the gray Zara coat though… it’s hard to tell what the silhouette might look like from the picture. Have you seen it in real life?

  • Erin
    October 3, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    We have cold Canadian winters and good quality coats are a necessity. I have a Mackage coat (from Montreal, available in the US) and a Burberry buckingham ‘wool trench’. It comes down to cost per wear for me. Four years in, the Burberry looks brand new and keeps me toasty warm. Thanks for a pre-season sale at Nordstrom, it didn’t break the bank either. Fashion is all about a mix of high and low and finding the best fit for your figure! Excited to see what you find. Xx

  • Marissa
    October 3, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    I am very loyal to J Crew coats! Winter is my favorite season, and bright winter coats are my favorite winter item… so I always look on ebay for J Crew coats in my size. I think I have 8 or 9 coats right now (gulp) in a rainbow of colors– some for more than a decade. Here is what I love about their coats:

    1. You can get them with Thinsulate, which keeps you super warm and toasty! My Thinsulate-lined coat (bright yellow double-breasted stadium wool) keeps me as warm as a puffy down coat. Which is great because I hate puffy coats!

    2. In my experience, they never pill. I’ve had zero problems. My oldest coats look just as good as the day I purchased them.

    3. They resell very well if you ever want to trade up. Because they make the same styles over and over (usually in different colors), there’s often a robust demand on ebay.

    4. The linings are well-made, lovely contrast stitching, and the wool weave is tight and non-fuzzy.

    5. I, too, have a big bum and a little post-baby belly…. Their coats nip in just the right place!

    I’d suggest going into a J Crew and trying on some coats for size, and then looking on ebay. Just make sure you’re buying/bidding a coat from a JCrew RETAIL store (the outlet coats are not the same… I always write and confirm with the seller). Or, if you’re patient, you can wait for their post-Christmas sale where the coats are not only on sale but an additional 20% off!

    Good luck.

  • Alisa
    October 4, 2013 at 2:11 am

    I absolutely adore that KS one- and to be honest, it’s the most “classic” looking one of the bunch. I think that’s important if you want to keep it a while.

    On a side note, or 2, I have been itching to buy Olivia the mini boden coat of Eleanor’s, and have it in my faves on eBay, but if you can believe it, I scored her a gorgeous Benneton for her for $5 bucks at a consignment sale today!!!! (I just high dived myself.)

    • alisa
      October 4, 2013 at 10:52 am

      *high fived… dang auto correct.

  • Rebecca
    October 4, 2013 at 8:58 am

    I have two J Crew winter coats, a white pea coat and a hot pink one with a similar sillouette as the one you posted. They have held up wonderfully throughout the years. The pea coat must be 7 or 8 years old now!

    Once you consider the cost per wear, they are great bargains! (Especially since I bought both of them at the outlet!)

  • Di
    October 4, 2013 at 10:00 am

    Boden is a good brand for coats……and I just bought a Diesel one but then I am in the UK are brands and styles are often different . I have had 2 coats for over 10 years – one from Max & Co and the other from UK store Jigsaw.

  • Kate
    October 4, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Have you considered any of the wool options at Lands’ End? They have a lot of beautiful colors this season and the quality, in my experience, has been excellent. Plus, if it ends up not being what you expected, you can return it, even if you’ve worn it for a season. I know it’s not the trendiest of options, but just a thought…

  • Maggie
    October 4, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Another vote for a Lady Day coat, from JCrew, with thinsulate! I have two- cobalt and black- one is 6 years old, one is 3, and both are still beautiful and in-style. I’m dying for an ivory one this year! The only thing is- they usually go on sale at the end of the season, so there’s almost no reason to pay full price now.

    Good luck!

  • Lena
    October 4, 2013 at 10:56 am

    I had a coat tailored from the lady at the dry cleaner at Lake and Ridgeland a few years ago. I think it was $50 or $60. Best money I ever spent on my favorite “fat coat” from before I lost weight.

  • Virginia (The Heartographer)
    October 4, 2013 at 11:54 am

    Wow, good for you with the weight loss! What are you planning to do with the old eggplant one? (I’m just saying, if I lose some weight, I’m a solid 14, haha.)

    I bought a coat a few years ago from Soia & Kyo, a Canadian (possibly French-Canadian) brand. It had fairly trendy styling for the time, but I didn’t care because it was what I wanted: no back vent to split in awkward moves, knee length, double-breasted, belted but with a belt that didn’t flop and drag, gray herringbone with black piping detail, patch pockets with cute interesting gathers to femme it up a bit, and a funnel neck that looks good open but works well closed all the way up if you happen to find yourself without scarf.

    That brand makes things TEENY tiny, so make sure you try one on with a sweater/normal winter bulk. Man, that coat is THE main reason I’d like to lose weight myself. So amazing.

  • Virginia (The Heartographer)
    October 4, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Oh oh! Another amazing but spendy coat company I’ve seen is Mackage. I’ve never actually owned a Mackage coat, but try some on at your local Nordstrom or Aritzia. You’ll fall in loooove.

    Lastly, J. Crew coats never hold up in the linings for me, for what it’s worth.

  • Begoña
    October 6, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    I love number 4! I do prefer to spend a little more on good quality coats cause the last more yes but also cause they protect better from the cool weather. I bought a beautiful red coat from this company http://www.lacasitadewendy.com/ eight years ago and it’s not also in good shape but people always compliment me whenever i wear it :-D

  • LMN
    October 7, 2013 at 9:00 am

    I live in SC and my Gap coat has lasted 5 years. I’ve worn it…7 times? :-) Normally I beg my husband to move elsewhere but maybe not somewhere cold? ha!

  • Crystal
    October 7, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I always go for a brown, black or gray coat for winter. I really like the navy peacoat you’ve shared here. I’m considering something a little more vibrant this season.

  • Amy G
    October 7, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    My go to for awesome coats is Boden- I have a soft wool one I can wear year round in SF, a lined raincoat with snap off hood(awesome), a short wool lady coat (I call it that b/c I wear it with flared dresses as it comes to the waist), and my newest is a traditional khaki trench. They are hardy companions, some I’ve had for years and I always get tons of ‘wear did you get that’ questions.

    My back up would be JCrew- had a bunch back in the day that lasted for years.

  • Style: Pink. Always. | Making it Lovely
    October 14, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    […] always return to pink. I wrote, a couple of weeks ago, about needing a new winter coat. I did consider tailoring my old coat so that it would fit again, […]

  • casacaudill
    October 30, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    Have you looked at Lands End? I bought one last winter and was pretty surprised by how great the quality was. And they do a great job of designing for women with curves.