Northern California Style

Northern California Style

#wintercoats

Four Winter Coats to Love!

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We are having a cozy week here in Northern California and finally getting some real weather! I love coats, jackets and any kind of outerwear and always manage to add a few more each year. I have some good finds to share with you for today’s coat collaboration with other bloggers.

Here’s my four favorites right now that I think will last many seasons..

A coat for the cold…and snow.

I’ve recently been up in Tahoe as we bought a tiny cabin there. (More on my Instagram.) I knew I’d have to get more serious outerwear for the snowy weather. I’ve heard so much about these famously warm Orolay jackets from Amazon, and I love the details and look. They are slightly oversized and very, very warm. They have multiple pockets and zippers, cool pulls and wonderful hoods. I originally wanted the grey version, but then went for the shiny version of the coat in khaki (the burgundy is TDF too.) It’s been good for hikes, walks in the snow and even a picnic on the lake when the wind-chill was 32 degrees! If you like being warm, I highly recommend this coat which has over 12,000 reviews. d A bonus is the HUGE pockets. You do not need a handbag as you can carry a phone, wallet, keys and more in them and still have two extra pockets for hand-warming. It also has those little sleeves that extend out to cover your hands and thumb loops. This coat has a lot of pluses. I wore mine with my EMU shearling boots and a beanie. It’s very warm with just a single sweater.

A lightweight throw on puffer you can take anywhere and stuff in your bag.

This cute polka dot jacket was not on my list when I went to Target, but you know how that is! The polka dots and the tan color attracted me right away along with the lightness. It’s been my go-to with our chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. I love that if I get overheated I can just jam it in my purse. This is the coat everyone in California needs. Besides the dots, it also comes in a chic black herringbone !

I kind of like to pair this jacket with a scarf and a contrasting sweater, but it’s a good one to grab to throw over workout clothes as well.

A Teddy Bear Coat when you want to be warm and stylish.

I admit I have been obsessed with these coats ever since I wrote about Katie Holmes in hers last year.

I love the way Katie styled it with sneakers and wore in with a nonchalance to run errands. The cost of hers is $3,690, and I actually tried it on her MaxMara version at the Stanford store last year. What warrants that price is beyond me! This year there are nearly similar versions at reasonable prices. They are big and if you are cool with that, then a Teddy Coat is for you! Lord knows we aren’t going places in the next few months so why not stand out on your next Trader Joe’s run? Californians will appreciate the light versions of this trend. Wear this with sneakers or black running shoes, denim or leggings. A little fancy with casual is how to rock these fun coats.

My coat is no longer available, but J.Crew has a version and a new color block version and in leopard (all on sale now.) Other options are a silky soft Teddy Coat by Sanctuary, this beautiful merlot color, a very pretty look in black at Banana Republic, and a blue night color in a stylish version at Gap.

A dressed up puffer for when you want a chilled elegance.

I went to Athleta in my town a week ago with my pal Jeanne to get a work out top and came home with a jacket! Like a bird to a shiny thing, I was initially attracted to this pretty metallic jacket which Jeanne bought- so fun.

Then this lovely jacket came into my radar- a black puffer which looked like velvet. I like the look of velvet, but hate the feel…anyone else like that? This jacket is nylon, but just looks like velvet. It has the cool ruching of a more expensive Italian puffer and feels like a designer jacket when dressed up. I think it’s fabulous with all black. It’s a grown up version of the ubiquitous down puffer, and paired with your yoga pants or jeans it gives everything a little upgraded feel.

This jacket is made of what they call feather dry down and is water-repellent. I love that. I got caught in the rain today and it rolled right off this coat! Wear these puffers with a dress or skirt instead of the usual long coat for a younger look.

I hope you’ll stop by the blogs of these stylish women and see how they are doing cold weather in style….


Cindy Hattersley Design
Classic Casual Home
Most Lovely Things

Thanks for stopping by!

Kim

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Katie Holmes Teddy Coat- Chic Piece of the Week

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A quick fashion post to start your week. No doubt you are all running about shopping, and ticking off the holiday list. While you’re out there shopping you might keep an eye out for a special piece to add to your own wardrobe. ( So hard not to shop for yourself when you are out in the fray!)

Again Katie Holmes has the cool item of the moment and this week it was a Teddy Bear coat from Max Mara. Maybe it’s just me, but she makes things look good and I find myself wanting whatever she pulls together, shoes included.

Katie’s coat is in the three thousand dollar range, and if you aren’t a film star and have three grand to spend on a stuffed animal coat, there are options. Admittedly Max Mara is an amazing Italian company. I had one of their coats from the lower line, Max & Co. and it was one if the nicest I’ve ever had. (I Kondo’d it regrettably in a mad clean-out.) Here’s a few good fill-ins for a more affordable price if you want to emulate this casual chic winter look of hers.

The actual coat she has $3690 at Nordstrom. It’s quite oversized, but if you want to wear in in colder climes, and with a suit under it as she has, that may work. This coat would be a bit much for California, unless you have a Tahoe house..

BB Dakota offers a close dupe with similar material and the oversized look. It’s 40% off now at Nordy’s for $100.

I have it on good authority that this Anthro Elsa Faux Fur is gorgeous in person and the texture and feel is very luxe. An equally fun look.

This version from Woven Hearts looks as soft and is $105 plus free shipping. A little more palatable on something that may be a bit trendy, but hopefully worn for a few years at least. I like the length of this one.

This version by Mural is more boucle and nubby and for $99 is more streamlined. Sizes are limited, but it’s a cute option.

Here is a more plush option from Avec Les Filles for $199.

This Halogen version is a different kind of faux, but equally as fun for $199.

Her other stylish notes..

The Akris Tote, which is pricey, but I love the versatile triangle closure and option to be an open tote.

The sneakers are Common Projects found here at Nordstrom. Another more affordable and similar option here.

If you want to get more insights into Katie’s look and some terrific wardrobe and styling tips you can follow her stylist, Allison Bornstein on Instagram. Love her stories especially which are so helpful in choosing the best white Ts, boots, gold hoops, etc. to add to your wardrobe, classics to buy and shopping your closet!! I may have a chance to interview her someday as someone I know, knows her! We will see.. I would love to get insight into more of her style secrets.

UPDATE: Per Vintage Contessa’s prompting, below in comments, I think we should do a little round up of everyone’s oversized coats or other Katie Holmes inspired style. Please tag #thekatielook yourself in a photo on Instagram. I will share the looks on Instagram stories or the blog depending on how many we can get! I am excited to see what you all wear!

Have a great day everyone.

Kim

Links on posts may sometimes generate commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Looking at the Coat Closet..

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Happy 2019. It’s chilly here in Northern California and though I was lucky to get away to Hawaii during the holidays, it feels colder than usual back here in Northern Cal. With the cold weather and the rain, we are stuck indoors, so I like to start the new year by taking stock, purging and cleaning out. The first place I usually begin is with the entry coat closet! Any coats we haven’t worn as of yet this season could go and are just taking up space. (No not sparking joy either.) Some of my own were looking a bit shabby, one had a moth hole, and another just was beginning to fit tight. (I have no idea why that could be happening! – Another thing to work on in the coming year.)

My quick coat closet survey helped me realize that many of the coats we have could be donated. (Look for a One Warm Coat donation spot in your area to help those who need warm things now.) I noted that even me, who shops pretty often, could use some upgraded outerwear. Have you noticed long coats are back? I do love a nice coat and yes even here in California it’s nice to not wear fleece or a puffer all the time. It’s easy to get into that habit, but it can look too casual and has not a lot of style. The other thing is a nice structured coat can give you a better look overall, and a more streamlined silhouette.

Coats take a beating and it’s worth it to refresh every few years or so. This is the time to get a good coat and even a few deals, as we all know spring clothes will be in the stores before Valentines is even here and those after Christmas markdowns are already happening. Coats will be harder to find in month and if you don’t do it now, there you will be next year with a closet full of shabby coats that fit poorly that you should have purged. Right? Okay so let’s do this! You need one or two nice coats that look updated and are flattering.

You could also check your local shops too. (You know I love to support local small businesses!) I just found the Emerson Fry coat above at my favorite new local boutique called Parker in Willow Glen. I am having fun with this coat styling it different ways. (Check out Parker when you can. Brenda is the owner and has a great eye and packs a lot of stylish options in a small shop in the old Garden Theater mall.)

Nothing makes you look more put together than a nice jacket or coat. Get rid of anything shlumpy, faded, fraying and just plain outdated! Think you are going to sew that button on? If you haven’t done it, maybe donate it instead. Are you cold? Many of the newer coats have some terrific insulating materials and the older I get, the more I care about warmth as well. Below are just a few of my favorites online right now.

I have to start with this beautiful rendition of a vintage faux leopard coat by Emerson Fry. It is flipping gorgeous and is one of those statement pieces that will give your wardrobe a coolness factor. This particular item isn’t on sale, but the price is right being made domestically and by a quality company. It’s worth the splurge with your extra holiday dinero if you have any left.
This Bernardo packable long jacket is now just $66 and I dig this teal green. This is a stylish topper for all those errands, can cover your backside when you wear leggings, and not too heavy. I’d call this California weight, so it is not for Chicago unless you are layering it with a real coat.
This stylish water resistant puffer from Banana looks cute with the sash tied behind in the back as well as the front. It comes in khaki as well and would be great from now and until spring. I am in love with the sleeves and the obi style belt!
I adore the pretty pink of this Charles Grey London coat. I think it’s nice to have a statement piece or two in your coat wardrobe and who wouldn’t feel pretty putting this on? It’s made in England so you know this isn’t going to be a flimsy piece of wool.
This burgundy menswear style coat from Avec Les Filles, is the perfect foil for all those deep winter tones. I would dress this classic up with scarves and tall boots as well as sneakers and jeans to look hip.
This coat looks modern in its length and a tweed with the prettiest blue running through This Sam Edelman coat  is something you can be rough on as tweed wears well. You also don’t need to be de-linting yourself every time you out it on, which is nice. Again it can be dressed up or used as your everyday go to.
This gorgeous Fluerette Coat is made of Loro Piana wool from Italy and is exquisite. Coats made of this special Italian wool cost a small fortune, but I am featuring this coat as it was nearly $1,000 and has been marked down to $498. It’s a beautiful piece and is a great price if you are looking to buy better things that will last.
Faux fur coats are hot this year and feel as cozy as they look. This version by Leith seems to have a nice shape and feel about that doesn’t scream bathrobe as a lot of them can. You have to make sure they lay right and don’t make you look like a small bear. I love this color and would wear this daytime as well as night.
I had to add this edgy wool plaid coat as it reminds me of my favorite 1980’s toppers that were oversized, manly and worn by all the cool girls with those asymmetrical haircuts. Does that bring anyone else back? This updated version has hot pink details on the button holes and the lining which make it super cute and I can see some of the younger gals rocking this coat as well.
I’m a sucker for baby blue and this Tahari wrap coat is really lovely and is on sale until the 15th of January at Bloomies. It just looks luxe and cozy and expensive.
Lastly, my friend Ani and I are forever searching for the perfect peacoat. We loved those old J.Crew ones. I think this may be the best version yet to replace those. This Emerson Fry peacoat is gorgeous and a cashmere wool blend so it is not too heavy. I love everything about Emerson Fry, and of course it’s made in America.
Okay that was eleven. Sorry I had to add this peacoat as it was perfection!

I hope you all have a cozy week! It’s going to be a wet one here in California, so see what you can purge and donate and treat yourself to something warm if you can.

Kim



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