Once again, an internet reader pleads to Francesca for help!
The weather has been tres hot and humid all summer in DC, and I have been happy to rock my sleeveless shirts, skirts, and bare legs for several months now. So it came as a surprise to me this morning when I exited my apartment building into somewhat chilly air. Fall is almost upon us! This means no more bare legs (a TRAGEDY, but I’ll have to cope with that one on my own), and it also means coats will again be necessary. I have a fabulous coral-colored rain coat that I have gotten several good years out of. But it’s now looking rather shabby and I’m ready to move on to something else. So far, though, I haven’t been able to find a rain/fall coat that is anywhere near perfect. I need it to survive in the rain, and be a light coat – a very thin lining or none at all. I like making a statement with my coats – no black, grey, or brown for me. I loved the vibrant coral color of my last one, and would love to find something in pink, red, green, purple, blue, or a print. And I would like it to be trench-coat (knee) length. I’m size 18-20, vaguely pair-shaped (ie slightly bigger on the bottom, but mostly in proportion). Lastly, making my request the most difficult, I can only spend $100 – preferably less.
I know if anyone can help me, Francesca can. Please perform that voodoo that you do!
Sincerely,
Jen
Francesca is so very happy to help the Jen, though she is somewhat perplexed by the reference to voodoo. Francesca does not practice the dark arts. She prefers to think of herself as the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz, the beautiful and radiant Glinda, who will now tap her starry wand onto Jen’s bowed head and grant her the wish of the wonderful fall coat.
Avenue will not allow me to post a direct link. Just go to Avenue.com, click on “apparel” and then “coat shop,” and then on to “double breasted patent trench coat.”
Or, click here for a nice raincoat from Land’s End, one which is less fun-and-flirty than our purple design here, but perhaps lighter-feeling and more reliably waterproof – and it is available in a happy, happy shade of light blue. (Be sure to click on “plus sizes” to get the correct list of sizes for the Big Girl!)
Happy fall!
xoxo,
Francesca
(this didn’t seem to post the first time…)
Thank you! I actually saw that coat on Avenue, and it is definitely cute. But I’m hesitant because the fabric looks like it would make all kinds of noises any time you move…like those people who keep plastic on their couches…
But I love the Land’s End coat with no hesitation, and I as that your readers not buy every one of the blue coats before I get a chance to buy one!
Comment by demjen209 — September 12, 2008 @ 10:17 am
How about this one? Can’t vouch for Chadwicks quality, but you can’t beat the price and the color is very fun.
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Short-Trench-Coat.aspx?PfId=119283&DeptId=8450&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G
Comment by shawnee — September 12, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Woman Within has a sizable selection of coat styles, in lots of fun colors.
http://www.womanwithin.com
I’m partial to this one, in amethyst:
http://www.womanwithin.com/clothing/Willow-Lane-Garment-washed-twill-big-button-coat.aspx?PfId=140540&DeptId=9281&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0
Plus, you can get a pair of gloves for 50% off with it.
Comment by rabrab — September 12, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Woman Within is worth a look. They have several styles and colors.
http://www.womanwithin.com
Comment by rabrab — September 12, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
I have this coat (not in magenta)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2957142?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=outerwear:women:3%2F4_or_long_coat&cm_ite=dkny_belted_metallic_satin_trench_coat_(plus)_(nordstrom_exclusive):207760&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=A28D2DA1-1B80-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA
If that link doesn’t work, go to nordstrom.com and search on DKNY trench.
It’s extremely lightweight and flattering. I have it in brown and wish I had it in this pink.
Comment by rb — September 12, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
I love Land’s End’s stuff, but just FYI, their sizing runs very large, even if you follow their size charts. Not sure what’s up with that, given that they have the measurements and all, but there you go.
Comment by daisyj — September 12, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
This piece does a wonderful job of playing with texture to create interest.
Comment by NESTOOP — May 23, 2009 @ 9:49 pm