Monday, January 27, 2014

Experimenting with an Oversized Coat







     I usually prefer fitted coats but since I've seen oversized styles on many of the blogs I thought I'd give it a try. I found this Ann Taylor coat at a consignment shop and the clutch on clearance. When I go to work at my studio I often wear colored jeans and a sweater. By adding booties, a nice coat and interesting bag I'm ready to do something social after work.

     I've been thinking about being more open to trying what comes along in life. Pairing an unusual bag and different style of coat is a small way to try something new. I think this can be one function of fashion, searching for that creative tingle, that bit of excitement which makes you feel like a slightly new and different version of yourself.

coat--ann taylor (consignment purchase) (similar)
clutch--bcbg (like this one too)  (same)
sweater--inc
jeans--inc
booties--bandolino (here)

location--loading dock at the studio, pictures by dean and bag picture by ann

links

style elixer
the pleated poppy
transatlantic blonde
working girl with style
three-fer thursday
look what I got
lulu's love list


53 comments:

  1. A great coat, Ann...and you styled it beautifully. But, I really, really love the clutch!!

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  2. Beauty of a coat Ann! I love the slightly trapeze silhouette and the 7/8 sleeves. The hint of your sweater at the cuff provides that pop of colour that I love. The bright blue jeans also bring the blue in the coat to life! Happy Art Creating this week Ann!

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    1. Good point Sue, I thought the shorter sleeve makes this coat wearable for a smaller sized gal like me. It doesn't overwhelm my size like other oversized coat have.

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  3. It works well and the bold color in the pants and top balances the look nicely!

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  4. Fabulous coat, great pattern and cut! You wear it so well! Hugs, Beata xxx

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  5. It is good trying something new as long as you still feel it is your style. That is certainly the case with this great coat. Finding a piece like that in a consignment store is just fabulous!

    Annette | Lady of Style
    2 x 60€ Valentine's Legwear Giveaway


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  6. Majestic and regal indeed, dear Ann.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  7. Yes sometimes we shout changes our styling-routine, but as long as we are still ourself. You oversize coat is great and i like the blue details at the patters. This fits perfect with your blue outfit.
    http://glamupyourlifestyle.blogspot.de/

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  8. You are also the Queen of coats, Ann! That's the great thing about not paying full price: you get to experiment with looks that hopefully will give you that creative tingle (love the way you've phrased that). You've styled the coat just beautifully. Xo

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  9. What a score on that clutch!

    I love the pattern of the coat but I have to say I do prefer you in a fitted coat.

    It is great to play around with style via consignment. Makes it less of a commitment.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  10. Very elegant look, Ann! You know what's interesting here for me? I have been thinking how you asked your readers what they would like to see in your blog. And I thought that I would really like to see your colorful jeans and sweaters - the way you wear them at your studio. And here you are - wearing just what I wanted to see, and in such a beautiful combination!! I think you've read my thoughts! :) I love the coat on you and they way you style it with a fun sparkly purse and elegant shoes. And I am always up for being open and experimental - what else life is for? :)

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    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comment Natalia. Experimenting, "what else is life for", I completely agree. As I age I want to keep trying new things and for sure new styles of clothing.

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  11. One of my favorite looks on you--you wear it well. I so agree a bit of a style change can expand in positive ways how we feel about ourselves. We grow expotentially!

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  12. Ann the coat looks great. To my eye it has a slightly retro look about it which I think suits your sometimes "lady like" style. I also like the fit. Some of the oversize coats I see have dropped shoulders and are are simply very oversized with little concern for fit. It can work for some but I think you have chosen a version that is "you". It is fun to try different things but I find I have little interest in trend items much preferring to build a wardrobe of items that have a long term place in my closet representative of my style as opposed to what's presently on trend. I think you have successfully achieved similar with the coat, it suits your style, is reflective of a current trend yet could stand the test of time. And you look gorgeous!

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    1. Wonderful comment Deborah! You have defined what I think also, good classics that can be worn for a long time. I've been thinking, clothes (classic) and accessories (more trendy). I think an oversized coat is hard to pull off if you are not tall. This is one of the first coats of this style that fit me, I'm 5'4".

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    2. Ann I think the proportions are what make the coat work for you as a petite. I'm only 5ft 1 and a bit (that bit is important right :) ) but I don't let it stop me wearing things I like, tho I may have to alter hemlines and do some tweaking to "perfect it". If the coat were below your knee length it would have swamped you, and the shorter sleeve length works to your (petite) advantage to;)

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    3. You are so right about the length and shorter sleeves. I shot my next post tonight with a similar coat design. This time in a petite sizing which really seems to help with this style of coat. Finding or altering clothing is so interesting to me. Fashion really is about fit if you strip away all the fuss. You can have the best clothing but if it doesn't fit your body, it doesn't work.

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  13. Oh I luv it!! and it looks wonderful with Carolina blue. You are such stylish lady Ann.
    Xo
    Carelia

    "Bohemian Chic" on:
    MySmallWardrobe.com

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  14. I agree with a couple of the other comments that this coat, while oversized, still has a nice shape - not too baggy. It has a more tailored vibe. Also, seeing the bright blue peeking out of the sleeves is great! These pictures are beautiful, as always, and I like the little tiny bits of blue around the latch in the top picture. A perfect echo of your sweater!

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  15. This is a tough shape coat to pull off and you did it so well here Ann. I think the key is keep everything else a bit fitted/slim so it's not too loose. I love your use of blue to bring out the blues in this jacket. And great find on the clutch!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  16. The loading dock has never looked so good! Your blues against that big brown backdrop... Perfect. And I love a bangle sleeve.

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  17. I have seen coats that are really oversized, looking big and bulky. But I like your version of it, elegant and oversized just a little bit. Great look, Ann. The clutch is really amazing.

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  18. Ann you did a great job of making me love oversize! xo, Sabina OceanblueStyle

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  19. WOW really nice look! in ove with your oversized coat!

    xxx

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  20. "That creative tingle." I know exactly what you're saying, and experimentation is just the way to capture this feeling. You are stunning in "the blues" and I think the oversized coat looks great on you. The sparkle of the clutch adds another dimension!

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  21. You look beautiful. :) That blue is amazing on you. And I really love how you worked the coat & bag in. Very cleverly done. Another winner! :)

    Debra@stylewisebydebra.com

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  22. I find your coat beautiful, the whole look is perfect (as usual :-))
    The color is beautiful and looks so good on you, love it!

    xoxo Kira

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  23. This is such a great look and so complimentary to your coloring. Thanks for visiting my blog and I trust you will call again.

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  24. The coat is beautiful, I love the oversize design, and fabric, this gorgeous print. The rest of the look, with this turquoise all is very beautiful, and it is balanced and elegant.

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  25. I find your new coat is wonderful! And brown and blue is a combination of colours I have always been in love with! The shape is elegant, and I have seen many Max Mara coats with the same style.
    Your pants go well with it, and your bag is really cute!
    Sometimes fashion makes us change our routine, and that is a way to start stepping in a different direction...

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  26. I wouldn't call that an oversized coat, it's just a different shape then you're used to. It fits you perfectly in the shoulders and is a lovely colour combination. I love the bracelet sleeves, which would look wonderful with long brown or navy leather gloves. The clutch is a fun accent piece that will add some shine to any outfit you pair it with.

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  27. A very flattering look. Love the two blues and how the blues are picked up in the brown coat. Really lovely!

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  28. I love this! So chic and on trend. I hope to see more of you "going" with it and having fun along the way!!

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  29. I love your look, the coat suits you perfectly

    Catherine from Jolylook

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  30. I just adore your style. And that is such a fab haircut!

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  31. Oh my gosh, Ann you are so sweet! Thank you for your wonderful encouraging words. It is so great to have such wonderful comments at this scary and courageous time. Thank you for letting me know you have been thinking of me. wow.

    I love the blues in this ensemble and YOUR COAT is fabulous!!! I love how you have yourself up against a orange door/backdrop. perfection my dear, perfection! ♥

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  32. I like the less fitted coat, an the monochromatic outfit underneath. I too have noticed larger coats with shorter sleeves are trying to make a comeback. They remind me of 60s elegance.

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  33. Fantastic coat. I have been hovering over a similar one, but it was so expensive that I didn't do it. Later I found out that the material was getting ugly very quickly, so I was glad with my decision.
    This coat looks very good on you. Glad you experimented. Nice clutch too.
    Greetje

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    1. I have noticed that some of the softer weave fabrics are fuzzing up in the store before they get sold. This coat is lightweight, really right for spring. It's been so cold here, hard to take pictures outside without a coat. Glad you like this clutch. I thought it was a fun and different choice.

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    2. Exactly... That was the term I was looking for: fuzzing up.
      So yet again a brave blogging act: spring coat in the snow! As usual the photos are excellent. Your backgrounds are also always fantastic.

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    3. I am going to link to your post in my next one (in an hour).

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  34. This is absolutely perfect! I love the complete outfit, the color of the pants, gorgeous! The coat is divine! The clutch is awesome, the booties are so beautiful.......actually I am in love with the outfit! You look stunning.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  35. Ooh I love the oversized coat!!

    You should make it a goal each month to be open about something whether it's clothes or something else. Just to experience something you normally wouldn't do!

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    1. Good suggestion, I'm thinking along these lines. Good to try new things in all areas of life.

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  36. Sensational look for you Ann. As always, you put each outfit together with the flair of an artist. I wish I had your talent!!

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    1. Thanks Rebecca, sometimes it's just luck. We shot this on a white background and just happened to take a few on brown and they really made the blues jump.

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  37. it's a really cool coat, love its texture and print, that little blue touch matches subtly your pants and turtleneck, so fabulous color combo!
    Glad you're trying different styles, you're inspiring!
    besos

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  38. Your coat looks really nice.

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  39. Visiting from Simply Just Lovely! Such a great find at that consignment shop, I really like that coat! Looks great on you too, definitely a good choice :)

    <3 Vicki
    Wildeinthecity.blogspot.com

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  40. Great clutch - adds some great texture! What a great find on the coat. To flatter my shape, I prefer a fitted coat… but for layers, I'm loving a-line jackets. Freedom of movement and as many sweaters and shapes as I want underneath!
    xo ~kim

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  41. That coat is fabulous! Love the color and the texture. Thanks for linking up for Look What I Got! Hope to see you back tomorrow!
    Tara
    Penniless Socialite

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