vince

It was about a year ago that I posted those surreal sweaterscapes I'm so partial to and extolled the virtues of Vince knitwear.  Season after season they manage to just keep churning out high quality knits in totally covetable designs.  (And they last!  All of my Vince sweaters look impeccable even after years of constant use.)  But as much as I loved them, I was kind of convinced that was all they did and never paid much attention to the rest of their goods.  Until now.  So many good things on hand, like pony hair sneakers and oversized military coats:

And also t-shirts, leather jackets, silk shirts, and yes, of course, knits...

the end of the hunt

Yes, it's over.  The quest for this year's perfect coat has come to an end.  But wait, you say, that's not a coat.

No, it's not.  Neither are those other things.  But hear me out...

french coats

I've talked quite a bit about The Kooples here, as well as Maje occasionally, but seem to have never mentioned Sandro until now.  They're all in the same category to me: extremely cool, expensive and wearable french boutique labels.  After seeing this post I realized that I needed to take a look in person, that they might just have the perfect coat.

I actually thought this might be the one.  Sadly, it is not the one for me.  Beautiful as it is, it's cut totally straight up and down, so on me it was too roomy on the shoulders and snug on the derriere.  For someone with less, ahem, variety in their shape, it might just be the perfect coat.  Alas, my curves vetoed it loud and clear.

A few other beautiful coats from Sandro plus a couple from Maje...

the hunt goes on

Well obviously my dream coat is out of my price range, but I am now officially obsessed.  I must have a new coat.  Hang with me over the next few weeks while I sort this out, and if anyone else out there is on a similar quest, join me and we can hunt the elusive perfect coat together.  In this preliminary phase of research (yes, I am oh so scientific about it) I'm including coats that range from $100 to $2500.  Think of this as the fantasy phase, where we're really just trying to narrow down what it is we're looking for (is it a pea coat?  a men's coat?  a car coat?  what the hell is a car coat?).

 Big Peacoat from Emerson Fry, $495

More potential dream coats...

coat hunt

I actually own a mildly ridiculous number of coats and jackets (I rationalize it by explaining that I'm from Wisconsin, as if that would justify it all), but not the one for who I am now.  I'm looking for something masculine, roomy, warm and the perfect balance between structured and drapey.  I didn't think it would be hard to find but it's actually turning out to be quite elusive.  This Proenza Schouler coat comes closest so far in my hunt, but also rings it at a hefty $1750, which is approximately a billion time my budget (or might as well be).

It's a good one though, don't you think?  Dream coat material for sure.  Anyone out there know of a similar coat in a lower price range?  Where do you go when you're on the hunt for a piece like this?  Do you own your dream coat?

birthday suit

My birthday's coming up this week and I think maybe I need to get myself a present.  Like a nice boxy masculine coat.  Tried this one on at Zara yesterday and left totally smitten but also mildly confused.  Unbuttoned it looks stunning, so cool I almost can't even stand myself in it (though the buttons may need changing - a wee bit too shiny for my taste - but that's an easy fix).  Close it up and it goes kind of wonky.  Too much room on top with nothing to anchor it, and then very fitted across my (somewhat ample) derriere. It's ok, but not perfect.  But then, I could just wear it unbuttoned all the time, right?

I can't stop thinking about it.  I may be in love.  And I think maybe it's ok for a birthday purchase to not be the most practical item in the world, no?  What would you do?

sisii

I recently discovered Sisii, a japanese label that makes leather outerwear.  Washed leather.  Washable leather.  Yup, you heard right.  Washable leather.  I have seen these in person and I have to say the effect of the leather treatment is amazing.  They look like aged, worn-in canvas, they drape like heavy fabric, but they feel buttery soft like only good leather can.  Truly amazing.  This fishtail parka over at Totokaelo is available in all these scrumptious colors. 

dear zara

I know you have a crazy fast turnover and that's part of why you're so successful, but please keep this coat in stock for another month so I can buy it when I get back to Spain.  Ok?  I'm kind of in love with it.  Thanks.

yes please

What, Vicki B?  Did you really come up with this stunningly beautiful coat?  I'm sorry my prejudice sometimes makes me doubt you as a designer.  You have done a lovely job.  Now just send one over, k?

Look at this detail at the waist:

Damn good.