Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Virtual Coat Drive!

So, the plaid coat. Even with all the comments assuring me it was cute, I couldn't bring myself to keep it, so back to the store it went. Part of the problem was the fit--the medium was a bit restrictive in the shoulders and the large was too boxy in the body--and part of the problem was this:

I have a closet full of coats already. Okay, these aren't ALL winter coats and they aren't ALL mine, but there's still a fair amount, and I'm having coat guilt. The first three there, the brown, orange, and navy, are all perfectly nice pea coats. There's also a lovely, simple, black dress coat mixed in there. I really don't need more than that.

Need schmeed. A few years ago, I fell prey to an irresistable offer from Chadwick's and bought this coat in both plum and grey:

Unfortunately, they are both a bit too big, but I didn't want to pay for return postage, so they hang there, taunting me. How dumb am I? They're lovely coats, the plum is an especially nice color, but I don't feel good in them. And yet, year after year, I tell myself I might wear them, and they're too good to give away. In fact, the whole point of this post was going to be asking for refashion ideas, some way to salvage them. But you know what? I'm not even going there. I am removing them from the closet tonight and taking them to the thrift shop tomorrow. Yes! Coat guilt be gone! Hopefully they will be the perfect fit for two people who need warmies for the winter.

As for this one:
I really get a kick out of this coat. It was a thrift shop find, I think it's very cute, but it is SO warm. Like stifling. Only to be worn on the coldest of cold days. But this one stays. I might not have a new plaid coat, but I am hanging onto my old houndstooth one!

The plaid one, in case anyone was wondering, was from Kmart and on sale for $39.99. A good deal, but just not meant for me.
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How does your coat closet look? Anything in there that's ready for the donation pile? Now's the time to do it!

3 comments:

Donna said...

I love that Chadwick's coat, but if you don't someone will have a great coat. Living in FL, I haven't had a coat in years. I bought something about 7 years ago that is a lightweight parka sort of thing, really big so I can wear all my sweaters under it if I need to. It's been all over the country with my friends if they need to go up north during the winter. As a matter of fact, you've reminded me to offer it to a friend who's going to Chicago for Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

I have to admit that at very low point in my life someone donating a coat to charity in good used condition was the difference between me having a decent coat to wear or layering the few item I owned and taking them off in the bathroom before anyone arrived to work while temping to try to get a decent job to support myself and finally getting the job. Getting a decent coat not only helped keep me warm, it made me more confident and that like I belonged and could make it.

While there are ungrateful people who do just want a handout and even have the gall to expect expensive item, I just want to let you know there are the percentage that to appreciate you donations and they make all the difference in the world to them.

mommy Orkid Belle said...

hey there, I found your blog through Wardrobe Refashion. Anyway, sorry about the coat that you had to give away. I know you may have already given up your coat, but just incase you want another inspiration for something else, I have a favorite site that I check everyday and she has loads of great ideas and inspiration. You might need another inspiration for something else next time. Anyway, it is called Grosgrain. http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/

Adin B