Why, oh why, do you keep making such cute, little coats that I can't afford! Aaargghh! I love these cropped jackets, especially the terracotta dream on the left. The rounded collar detail and brass buttons are simply stunning - the jacket would add a stylish touch to any outfit. Check them both out on Net-a-Porter.
While in Valencia I discovered a new label within the famous Spanish department store El Corte Inglés - Sfera seem to be a little bit like the Spanish Topshop. Every item I saw resembled something from the designer spring/summer catwalk collections - and all were reasonably priced, à la Topshop. This coat really stood out for me - it was almost identical to the designs shown by Burberry Prorsum (see my post from last week). The bell-sleeve detail, ruffled rounded collar, a replica design - all that was missing, the buttons, which you could easily replace. How much was the jacket you may ask? €75 - £51 - $99, a superb price when you consider that for the original Burberry Prorsum you'd have to fork out €1,160 - £795 - $1,550! I know the quality of the photo isn't that great but I can assure you the first thing I thought when I saw it was, "Burberry". The downside - they didn't have it in my size, aarrrrgghh! There was one jacket left in a large and unfortunately was just too big on the shoulders for me (just my luck!). Check out the Sfera website - which unfortunately isn't updated as often as the items instore and definitely seek out a Sfera the next time you're in Spain.
I have been obsessing over the stunning coats by Burberry Prorsum ever since they hit the catwalk last year. If I had £795 to spend, the black, cropped, version of the coat (below) would be my first purchase - available now from Net-a-Porter. I adore the trench coat detailing on the back, the amazing buttons and the gorgeous puff sleeves. Another coveted but very unavailable item..oh well!
I know from your comments and emails that most of you are devotees of Topshop, as am I. This season I've been particularly impressed with their range and variety of coats and jackets. All are affordable, while still following trends and incorporating beautiful detail. The most expensive jacket above is £55, while the most pricey coat is £70. For a wardrobe staple, that could easily be mistaken for a designer item, I think they're fabulous value for money. My personal current favourite, that I'm strongly considering buying, is the oversized mac (bottom right). In the photo it's not that impressive, but I saw it in store this weekend and it truly epitomises oversized urban chic. They had it on display with several layered tops underneath and a great slouchy messenger bag worn across-body. It also has a very slight sheen/shine to the fabric, thanks to the use of metallised cotton (I've never seen metallised used as a real word...but lets run with it!). Check out their Jackets and Coats section for their full range.
I love this Taffeta Cropped Jacket by Stella McCartney. It's not my favourite Stella jacket but I still love the shape and fit, plus the contrasting wide sleeves and fitted waist. This loose, open look on the left also shows how diverse this jacket is...shame about the price tag though...£465 from Net-a-Porter! Check out my favourite piece if you get a chance.
I'm loving the fall 2007 trend for capes and oversized swing jackets. They were seen at (left to right), Gharani Strok, Acquascutum and Versace. I love the lighter stone and winter white colour palettes - there will be some light on those dark winter days after all!
Pimpinette is another great Swedish company - what's really caught my eye is the gorgeous tailoring and detail of their jackets. I love the small round shiny buttons! Please don't ask why - I can't put my finger on it - but they just add the perfect finish to each item. Check out their website and let me know if you agree.
I've posted about Le Train Bleu before but never really rated this jacket...until I actually saw someone wearing it...and it is now my number 1 most coveted item!! The Bi La Li Loose wrap jacket is available in red or cream and looks particularly fab with the collar turned up. I'm not sure the photos below do this coat justice. With shipping and currency conversion, the jacket comes to £295 - should I buy it?!?! I'll keep you posted.....
The one thing I love about winter time is getting to wear fabulous coats. I love the style of this Mackage Anabel Coat available from the U.S. store Le Train Bleu . The funnel collar is a great feature, as is the mix of fabrics and the scalloped front hem. I don't know why but I never feel comfortable in a coat without pockets, so these deep, mitten pockets truly finish off a great wardrobe staple. Shame it's $620 - but I think you could justify the cost if you divided it by the number of times you could potentially wear it (a classic girl equation!)
Here's the first bit of random fashion coolness I could never afford. Such an amazing jacket, great structure - just one drawback - Topshop will probably design an identical item and sell it for £40 (a far cry from Stella's £495 price tag!). If you are feeling very flush, the jacket is available from Net-a-Porter . If you are like me, pray that Topshop takes note and brings their version out a.s.a.p.!
