Sveta's Blog

Zara coats - again!

October 25, 2013

If you remember my new cobalt trousers forced me to look into getting a new coat in a neutral color. I decided to check Zara again but this time do not bother with anything below size XL.

1. Double breasted wool coat I got this in navy. I like the style but I feel that even in XL it is cut too close under arms and in the shoulders and layering a blazer under it is not comfortable. Another bust!

2. Wraparound coat. While on vacation I saw this Angie's post and decided - what the heck, I will give it a try! I decided to get a dark grey in a hope that it will be more flattering for me than a lighter grey.
I am not sure Elegant Eclectic description fits me but I LOVE this coat! I have ordered XL and XXL and I like the bigger size much better. I like the oversized fit and especially the collar. Now I tend to lean towards streamline items in my style and this collar is not streamlined but oh boy, does it have drama! Maybe I am completely crazy but I love it. The length is also good - not the knee length but it wold be too much for this oversized style I think. 
The only thing which gives me pause is the sleeve length. Now this is my usual problem with coats that sleeves are on the short side. They are not ridiculously short but my ideal sleeve length in a coat would be 2" longer. There is maybe 1" to let down if my mom can do her magic but no more than that. I need to decide if I can live with this...
So what do you think? Did I lose my mind completely by liking this coat?

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

  • Liz A. replied 10 years ago

    Lol at this comment, Sveta: "my new cobalt trousers forced me to look into getting a new coat in a neutral color." The trousers did it, huh?

    I will leave judgement on the coat to the experts, but I like it.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    I really like both coats on you, but if the under arms of the first are cut too close, it's not worth keeping. The second coat looks warm, dramatic and comfortable and stylish. A keeper.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Yep, Liz, they did - and also forcing me to look for black booties! :-)

  • Jeanie replied 10 years ago

    That wraparound coat is stunning on you!  I saw that coat when Angie mentioned it and I am so happy you got it.  I would say let out the sleeves as much as you can and it will be fine especially if you wear gloves.

  • jayne replied 10 years ago

    What struck me when I see you in the two coats,  but being a pear (myself), I see the first coat is a triangle on you, widest at the bottom.  However, the second coat, with that fab collar, creates a nice column of fabness.  I can see why you fell for it.  I think the coat can work with the sleeves as is, but this is a matter of taste and in the end your gut will tell you whether you can live with it.  By the way, can I borrow your mom? 

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    I LOVE #2! Please keep. Stunning. I am lost for words:)

  • Vildy replied 10 years ago

    Saw a different style classic Chanel coat on someone, worn so that the sleeves were cut short enough to show bracelets/watch. Very feminine as it shows a trimmer part of body to set off the fashionable wideness/size. I think Angie has called this showing structure.  The fashion editor of the Telegraph, I think, had a custom pantsuit made and the tailor talked her into the shorter sleeve for the same reason. Looked amazing.

    If you really are bugged by it, mom could add a mixed media touch with a faux or real karakul, persian lamb in same color, say. Or smooth leather, etc.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Love the wraparound coat on you. It looks really good.

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    oh that coat has drama! love it! sometimes its important to get a signature item that is not exactly us, but helps to remind us (and everyone else) that there is more to us than what we show.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    #2 is a winner and I think the extra inch on the sleeves will make a big difference.  I too find it interesting that you need a new coat to go with the pants.

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    Wow, nr 2 is gorgeous! Pls keep!
    and maybe  I will look for it for my DD(16), too:-)

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    Sveta I like coat 2 quite a bit. I believe the extra 1 inch will give you what you need in the arm length.
     My question is will this eliminate your need for the streamlined coat you were after for so many years? 

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    The second coat deserves your love - wow! It looks like one inch would be enough. 

  • El Cee replied 10 years ago

    Oh that second coat! It is TO DIE FOR, so I really hope you keep it. You look absolutely stunning in it. And, from what I can see, the 1" extra length on the sleeve should be plenty.

  • D'Ellen replied 10 years ago

    You are so elegant in the wrap coat!  Wear long gloves and don't worry about the sleeves.  :-)

  • Sona replied 10 years ago

    the second coat is the bomb. I think with your mom's sewing-fairy godmother abilities you will be leaving people falling on the floor as you glide by in all your  chicness.

  • Jude replied 10 years ago

    Another vote for the second one. You look fantastic in it! I'm in awe of your ability to pull off such a dramatic collar. Now, while I have a poison eye for too short sleeves, especially on outerwear, one inch more might be all that is needed to make them just right. So, if your magical mom can do it... :-)

  • Windchime replied 10 years ago

    The second coat was made for you! Elegant, on trend, flattering color...your new cobalt trousers want you to buy this coat. :)
    I, too, have long arms and sleeve length challenges; will be interested to know what you decide about the sleeve length.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    #2 was made for you. Killer and please keep. 

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    More love for #2 - it looks perfect for you!

  • AviaMariah replied 10 years ago

    #2 is amazing on you.  Keep, keep!

  • Amy replied 10 years ago

    2 is so perfect for you!!!

  • Freckles replied 10 years ago

    Love the second coat on you Sveta, here's hoping that you decide to keep and mom's magic makes it perfect.  While both coats look lovely on you I really like the softer grey with the drama of the coat.

  • Diane P replied 10 years ago

    Another vote for #2, I love the "drama" of it and the proportions are perfect for you.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Oh my Sveta - that wrap around coat with the beautiful collar is absolutely perfect on you. That's YOUR coat!

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    Oh Sveta, seeing you in that wrap-around coat reminds me of the time my jaw dropped at the sight of you in your cape jacket. You have the presence and bone structure to carry off a dramatic coat with such style. Leave the subdued classics for the rest of the crowd; you look fabulous in this coat!

  • dustt replied 10 years ago

    I ADORE #2 - please keep it and buy a pair of long gloves - it'll make up for the sleeve length!!

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    #2 is super, you pull off that dramatic neckline very well, I vote keep.  The slightly shorter sleeve reminds me of bracelet length.  And with a shorter sleeve you can wear a longer glove, which is another nod to the dramatic look.  Nice find!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Oooh - I just got here. SO glad you tried this coat! It's brilliant for you as I knew it would be!! I am sure another inch on the sleeves will make all the difference, and also, gloves. Try it on with gloves and that will help the feeling a lot, I'm sure. YAY!!!

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Ah, such an universal love for this coat! I ordered it for fun but now I am seriously considering to keep it. Do you know that this collar can also serve as a hood? How cool is that- and darn useful, no? :-)
    Jayne, you are right that this style is surprisingly flattering to a pear-ish body because this enormous collar balancing out the hips.
    Vildy, this is an interesting thought about shorter sleeves on coats. I think I have a poisoned eye for short sleeves because I am tall and always feel like I have overgrown the coat...
    Glory, for your question - I don't know. I like the idea of a streamlined coat as well but I have a soft spot for drama I think...Hey, I can add 2 coats for my Canadian winter, don't I? :-)
    Angie, I am relieved you don't think this coat is too maximal for me...:-)
    Gaylene, I also thought about my  red cape coat as a similar oversized and swingy style. This one is much warmer though which is a good thing for my climate.
    it does work well with gloves and there is no way I am going to wear it without gloves anyway because when it is cold enough for this coat weight it is cold enough to wear gloves as well.
    I am not sure if sleeves lengthening can work here. there is not much a fabric really. I had a thought to find wool in a similar charcoal color and knit ribbed cuffs to attach to the underside of the sleeves to make them longer and warmer...will see. I still need to see the color in daylight as it was too dark: what if it is hideous on me?
    I hope I did not write anything I should not here: we had friends over and I had a couple of glasses of wine and some cognac too...:-)

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