22 October 2009

Winter Warming

Fur Coat by Todd Michael M

I'm sure every family has that traditional family heirloom, the fur coat, passed down from generation to generation, surviving stylish Chic's many winters. I must admit mine is just gathering dust at the back of my wardrobe, although it's a good coat which serves it's purpose, keeping me warm on those winter days, it's not exactly my sort of style. A great winter coat will last your for many years and transcend seasons, it's the one item in your wardrobe you wear with everything and anything and most importantly keeps you warm in those colder months. I believe that a good coat is one of the most important things to own, just think what winter would be like if you didn't have a coat to wear! So if your great, great, great, great grandmothers mink coat isn't exactly your thing here's my guide on how to find that perfect winter coat.


Don't be afraid to shop around.
I know we all have our favorite and least favorite shops but when it comes to coat shopping it's one of those "once a year" purchases so it's important that you shop around. I must have checked every available shop online and in store before I found that perfect coat, I didn't go for the first one I saw I looked around before deciding on the perfect one, and I'm very glad I did.

Make sure it's good quality.
When I say quality make sure it's going to keep you warm, it's unbelievable the amount of people who wear coats and are still shivering! Also check the stitching and make sure it's strong, it's no good spending money on something that will fall apart in a few months a good coat should be strong and sturdy and be able to last you for years to come.

Chose a neutral colour.
Coats are worn with everything so it's nice to have something that will match your whole wardrobe and that you'll be happy to wear year after year. That fuchsia bell sleeved faux fur coat may seem cute at first but fashions change rapidly and something which you find cute now you may end up hating a few months down the line. I believe you can't go wrong with black, black is a classic colour which never goes out of style and easy to mix and match with other colours.

Pick a classic design.
There are hundreds of different designs out there but it's a good idea to pick something that is flattering to your body shape and is able to match your wardrobe. I would choose a simple design which will transcend the fashion trends and doesn't have too many bells an whistles.

Pick a slightly bigger size.
When buying coats you don't want to get them too fitted, remember you'll probably be wearing lots of layers underneath so make sure you've that that bit of extra room to move around.

Find the right length.
Coats come in all different lenght's depending on what you want, it's best to try on different lengths to find the one right for you. I would suggest a longer length for winter but be careful as you don't want it so long that you end up absorbing the melted snow on the streets!

Don't cheap out!
A good is an investment piece it keeps you warm and lasts you years so it's worth spending that little bit extra on it, you don't necessarily have to go designer as long as the coat matches your needs it's worth the money!



Classic Melton Coat by Vivienne Westwood


Coba Wool Coat by K Karl Lagerfeld


Wool-blend military coat by Marc by Marc Jacobs


Pleated bouclé coat by Burberry Prorsum