Untimely inspiration
I need a new winter coat.
My black wool pea coat is nearly ten years old. It’s missing at least three buttons from various locations because I wore it during my pregnancy with Tacy and literally popped buttons off while running for the M66 bus. More than once.
It has served me well in terms of warmth and convenience, but it’s not particularly stylish. Okay, it’s not stylish at all. And without the appropriate number and placement of buttons, it’s not as functional as it ought to be either.
Having recently read “The Little Black Book of Style”, I’m all fired up to buy a new winter coat. But I really don’t want to buy one that will fit over a pregnant belly since that will be a temporary – and not to be repeated – condition.
I want a slim-fitting, belted wool coat with unique details. In white, so that it shows all the grime. (At least spit-up will blend in.)
Or a tailored knee-length wool coat in a striking pattern. (I’d be mesmerizing in that, don’t you think?)
Or a swingy red wool coat that will stand out no matter how gray the day may be. (Thankfully, they’re not usually all that gray around here.)
Sadly, now is not the time for me to shop for clothing. Even winter coats are off the list. Sure, they’ll still fit my arms and shoulders properly, but I’d want to button them up and check the overall fit before sinking a couple hundred dollars into a new coat.
By default, my black pea coat will live to see another season. But I’ve put it on notice that its days are numbered.
In lieu of a coat, I think I’ll look at jewelry. Jewelry always fits.
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:10 am
Buy a new scarf for Old Peacoat. That’ll perk her up. (And go with the jewelry too!)
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:43 am
I’m with you on wanting a white coat, but I don’t dare until Chicky gets older.
As for your pea coat, you could always put new modern buttons on it to perk it up.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:39 am
I got a wacky Paul Frank turquoise coat last year and it always makes me happy!
Good idea from Aimee too.
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
My MIL and I both have a minor coat addiction. I actually NEED a new ski jacket/winter coat this year. But I’m desperately trying to remind myself that my wool pea coat is still very much in perfect condition and it could just be vamped up with a new scarf/gloves/hat set. That said? The wide houndstooth coat? omg.omg.omg.
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Yes, I am with Mrs. C – at least go get a set of fun new buttons. I can’t imagine living where you live and not having a great winter coat.
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I need one too. But have you noticed that you have to start shopping NOW because if you try to find one in say, December, they will have bathing suits out for spring?
September 23rd, 2007 at 4:36 am
Jewellery always fits is the best shopping distraction I’ve heard in a while – I’m borrowing that one for sure
Next year go for the coat, this year you need a tiara.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:00 am
How about a new scarf, and really funky mittens?
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:43 am
i vote for new scarf and mittens…a black pea coat always works…and this will help if you are bored with it…
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:25 am
well, i can’t tolerate temperature extremes of either variety, so i want the big fat puffy calf-length down parka i found in the land’s end catalog.
i just don’t want to spend $120 on it. not a hefty price in the grand scheme, i know, but i hate the thought of spending that much money on something i hate wearing (like a coat).
September 23rd, 2007 at 3:26 pm
What?! Black wool pea coats aren’t stylish anymore? Man…I suck at this whole ‘keeping up with fashion’ thing. I just found my black wool pea coat and almost peed, I was so excited about wearing it. LOL!
September 25th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Yes–jewelry! And purses! Purses ALWAYS fit too.