It's that time of the year again, and yours truly is trying to upgrade her look from an unsure tomboy to a slightly more city chic mashed with a personal preference kind of style. I go through fall coats like crazy every other year because my style has been changing. Suddenly that weird looking aviator jacket I bought from Burlington just will not do. The green jacket from Torrid? It gets tight when I layer with a hoodie underneath. TIME TO GO SHOPPING!
As a kid, I had no choice but to wear those tacky pink cold weather coats with the buttons. I chewed on them and nommed on the soft fabric. They served their purpose and I didn't know better. I wasn't really in a position to argue with my father and grandma about coats. By the middle of the 90s, everyone was wearing those puffy looking coats. I never had the body for this look, let alone the address of the store everyone was getting the coats from. I felt like such a loser in my uncool choice of cold weather outerwear. Once I graduated from junior high to high school, it was no different.
Span to the college years. Basically, ongoing from 2003 to now. I have gone through so many looks, jackets, coats, patterns and cuts that my father simply asks one question--"what are we wearing this year?". Honestly, I never know. I have about four coats in the back of my closet. Four, because I just threw away this weird Fall jacket I've been wearing off and on because it no longer fits well. Oh, it fits, but it fits in a weird and snug way. About five years ago, I bought a brown Winter coat from Lane Bryant that has fur around the collar. My wool peacoat from Torrid started shedding buttons last year when I was going to school Downtown. I also have a purple coat--for Winter. I feel like Victoria did when she kept going through clothes in Spice World--I never know what to wear!
My issue is finding a coat between the time when the weather is in the low 50s and in the 40s. I want a Fall jacket or coat, not a heavy sweat-making cover. I have plenty of those! Right now, the weather has been dipping between the mid to high 50s and sometimes gets into the 60s during the afternoons. I can still rock a hoodie for that kind of weather. Anyway, I went to my favorite store to check out what they've got in stock. If you're into simplicity with style, I think you'll like the picks I've singled out (And if you're not in the market/mood to spend over 100 dollars for a coat, you'll like it too. ;-) ) 'cause there's a sale right now. Get 'em before the prices change back!
First is the Fleece Pullover for $19.50. It comes in red, purple, and animal print. I don't see any pockets, though. I love to stick my hands in my pockets when it's cold. Still, slipping this over my head and walking out the door on a crisp Fall day sounds divine. Imagine going for a brisk walk with piles of golden leaves at your feet, crunching underneath a fierce pair of ankle boots or a funky high-top sneaker. It looks warm enough to weather cool temps and errand days. I think it would be great with straight leg jeans or jeggings (yes, I own a pair.)
Next is the Military Jacket. When I first saw this thing, I gave it a heavy side-eye. It looked like a really ugly, frumpy green (also in black/gray) jacket. It's not so frumpy if you add a cadet hat or a scarf. It looks like the sleeves roll up right where the forearm ends. I wanted to get this one initially, but it looks like there's some sizing issues and thickness drama going on. If I found a similar style somewhere else, maybe I'd consider it. $34.50.
Finally, we have the Moto Jacket. It comes in three colors--red (orange...O_o), black, and a sassy light brown color. Something about the lapel (I hope that's what that flap is called) is just extra cool to me. I like the place of the buttons on the jacket as well. Imagine pairing this with a dashing knit beret and a pair of cute booties or cowboy boots. I can see myself strolling Downtown for a cup of coffee and a trip to Daley Plaza all warmed up in this dreamy coat. 22 bucks.
These are all just ideas and potentials for my closet. There are a lot of department and online stores that have a great variety of Fall and Winter wear for larger women. Gone are the days of frump to secure a fit. Now, you can fit it AND look good.
As a kid, I had no choice but to wear those tacky pink cold weather coats with the buttons. I chewed on them and nommed on the soft fabric. They served their purpose and I didn't know better. I wasn't really in a position to argue with my father and grandma about coats. By the middle of the 90s, everyone was wearing those puffy looking coats. I never had the body for this look, let alone the address of the store everyone was getting the coats from. I felt like such a loser in my uncool choice of cold weather outerwear. Once I graduated from junior high to high school, it was no different.
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| Lane Bryant coat from 2005. |
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| Winter coat from Torrid--buttons came clean off. |
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| Purple coat from Woman Within store. |
My issue is finding a coat between the time when the weather is in the low 50s and in the 40s. I want a Fall jacket or coat, not a heavy sweat-making cover. I have plenty of those! Right now, the weather has been dipping between the mid to high 50s and sometimes gets into the 60s during the afternoons. I can still rock a hoodie for that kind of weather. Anyway, I went to my favorite store to check out what they've got in stock. If you're into simplicity with style, I think you'll like the picks I've singled out (And if you're not in the market/mood to spend over 100 dollars for a coat, you'll like it too. ;-) ) 'cause there's a sale right now. Get 'em before the prices change back!
First is the Fleece Pullover for $19.50. It comes in red, purple, and animal print. I don't see any pockets, though. I love to stick my hands in my pockets when it's cold. Still, slipping this over my head and walking out the door on a crisp Fall day sounds divine. Imagine going for a brisk walk with piles of golden leaves at your feet, crunching underneath a fierce pair of ankle boots or a funky high-top sneaker. It looks warm enough to weather cool temps and errand days. I think it would be great with straight leg jeans or jeggings (yes, I own a pair.)
Next is the Military Jacket. When I first saw this thing, I gave it a heavy side-eye. It looked like a really ugly, frumpy green (also in black/gray) jacket. It's not so frumpy if you add a cadet hat or a scarf. It looks like the sleeves roll up right where the forearm ends. I wanted to get this one initially, but it looks like there's some sizing issues and thickness drama going on. If I found a similar style somewhere else, maybe I'd consider it. $34.50.
Finally, we have the Moto Jacket. It comes in three colors--red (orange...O_o), black, and a sassy light brown color. Something about the lapel (I hope that's what that flap is called) is just extra cool to me. I like the place of the buttons on the jacket as well. Imagine pairing this with a dashing knit beret and a pair of cute booties or cowboy boots. I can see myself strolling Downtown for a cup of coffee and a trip to Daley Plaza all warmed up in this dreamy coat. 22 bucks.
These are all just ideas and potentials for my closet. There are a lot of department and online stores that have a great variety of Fall and Winter wear for larger women. Gone are the days of frump to secure a fit. Now, you can fit it AND look good.