We're having one last blast of winter weather and this seems like the ideal time to share my latest, greatest thrift store find! Whenever I wear this coat, I feel like I'm a model in some 1950s ad and like I should probably be hanging out in Paris or somewhere else super cool. Consequently, I try to wear this coat as much as possible.
I went thrifting with a friend at the best charity shop around- the prices are rock bottom and there are always vintage knick-knacks to call our names... This time I got preferrential treatment and was ushered into the secret inner sanctum storage room- since I was wearing vintage styles, the woman working behind the counter knew that I'd appreciate some of the coats they currently had in storage. I ended up coming away with several and since then, I've added a few more to my rapidly-expanding collection. One can never have too many vintage coats, right?
I really like cold weather anyway, but now every autumn I start itching for temperatures low enough to break out my collection of vintage outerwear. This coat quickly became one of my standbys and it's just perfect for the commute to work. The style is not as suited for bitter, windy days... but that's what I have a complete coat wardrobe for- options. ;-)
The coat is made from a soft thick wool felt, unlined. The scarf is attached at the back of the neck and its exact purpose is a bit open to interpretation, but I am fond of the styling shown. The coat closes with just one button- and a giant one at that!
The construction is very simple, with a few details that make it stand out. I love this aspect of vintage clothing- I can tend to overthink all of my own projects, but it's a good reminder that sometimes less is more! The loose swing style is versatile for layering over full or narrow skirts and is so cozy to wrap up in!
The back is angled and overlapped at the back. The sleeves are a gentle bell shape and have a slit with rounded edges.
The pockets are accessed through slits in the front of the coat and just "float" on the inside without being attached to seams- ingenious!
This hat is one of my all-time favorites! Delightfully quirky and flattering to a variety of hairstyles!
Overall, this coat just makes me feel super chic. And what's not to love about that??
Shoes- Marilyn by Royal Vintage
· Photos by Kathryn! ·
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I have an almost identical-in-shape to that coat from my grandma--hers is a dark charcoal gray, but it has the same over size button closure, the same scarf at the top, the same swing shape. Hers is lined with a black acetate lining. I think she got it on a furlough in the 1960s, but it seems like an older coat to me. She wore it regularly until the last few years of her life (she died in 2010). It's a pretty dressy coat for my life, but I hold on to it because of sentimental value, and also because someday, I might need a dressy fabulous coat!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds wonderful, and how meaningful to have the added sentimentality! And yes, definitely hold on to it for a day that calls for added drama! :-)
DeleteI am a charity shop addict but have never found anything as stunning as your coat. It is really stunning and I can understand how pleased you are with it. Winter won't go away in the UK either and we are due for another cold spell even though it is late March!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca! Yes, charity shops are definitely hit-and-miss so this one is worth a bit of a drive! We just got our second snow for April and have more in the forecast.... as much as I adore my outerwear, I am starting to grow a touch weary of it. ;-)
DeleteOh my gosh, that is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI can see how large the button is, but honestly....it's perfectly in proportion. In your coat collection, do you have any vintage waterproof coats?
Thanks Michaela! Funny you should bring that up- one of my posts later this month is of a vintage trench coat. While not quite water-*proof*, it is at least water-repellent. :-)
DeleteThis coat is so elegant Lily...you look beautiful in red!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :-)
DeleteGlorious! I have a fantastic cranberry red textured early 60's era coat with attached fur collar and bracelet length sleeves, that I *adore* and wear whenever I can (usually to work when wearing any style of dress). It's quite warm and I got it for a song at the local thrift store.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I love the sound of that!!
DeleteWow! That is amazing! I wish there were more thrift stores in my area that focused on vintage styles. I love visiting your blog so much, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lilly! (fabulous name, by the way! ;-))
DeleteThat coat is such an amazing piece! You look like you've just stepped out of a 1950s advertisement - so chic.
ReplyDeleteJessica
Zella Maybe
Yes, a walking 50s advert is the impression I get! Too fabulous, this is like the holy grail of charity shopping.
ReplyDeleteOH MY WORD. This is by far the most fabulous thing you've ever worn!!! SUCH an amazing style and you pull it off so well!!! Kathryn did a smashing job on the photos as well. Gorgeous!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and so elegant! How can anybody not be in love with that coat? And I love love love that last photo! :)
ReplyDelete~ Megan Joy
Absolutely beautiful! That is so wonderful that the lady working that day showed it to you!
ReplyDeleteI know! So sweet of her!
DeleteThis coat is the best! 😍 Seriously so chic! 💁 I think we need another coffee & charity shop day very soon.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love this coat on you!!
ReplyDelete