Right about now the rest of the country is unveiling and dusting off their cozy sweaters, winter coats, scarves and perhaps even gloves, yet “The Valley of the Sun” has remained the butt of some cruel joke that Mother Nature is getting her kicks out of. It’s 100 degrees, then it’s 68, then it’s back to the 90’s. Need I even say that this just messes with a girl’s head when she is trying to look her best in the a.m.? Just exactly when do I go back to my over-the-knee boots? Yesterday I was wearing sandals…Hello November!
Luckily back in the days of shooting catalogs for Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom’s I learned the essential lessons of layering. Most often the catalog crews were smack dab in the middle of some remote area…usually the more lush or swampy the better. Our days began at the wee hours before sun’s light and let me say that for a makeup artist, shaking, cold fingers are not an option so I learned quickly from other crewmembers how to get good at layering. Believe me, there is an art to it, otherwise ones layers end up looking rather like the bumpy Michelin man. Lightweight tee’s blouses, cashmere turtlenecks, cardigans and a good coat kept me toasty no matter what adventures the day brought.
A really good quality, proper fitting coat should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, but if you are not heading to extreme cold this season or you don’t want to shell out the big bucks, here are a few delicious options for $200 and under that look smart and will get the job done!
The amazing spotted print coat from Top Shop with wrist skimming sleeves is nearly an exact replica of a vintage one I owned years ago. This little standout number is only $180 a works well with slinky dresses, slim jeans and the retro looks of the season… pair it with rhinestones… and it’s off the charts!
Hopefully you can catch this divine H&M number in our new Scottsdale store, it’s perfectly on point with other belted looks we saw from Bottega Veneta but much less at $129 and it has a chic European vibe to it so it will look great with boots, heels or flats.
Old Navy’s funnel neck coat is a steal at $90 and a perfect blend of fabulous and functional. The sash tucks in just so to give that hourglass look reminiscent of a Hitchcock heroine!
Lastly Eddie Bauer and American Eagle both did duffle coats ranging from $150-$199 one casual, one proper that make darling basics to go with all your classics like straight leg jeans, fitted blouses and fitted skirts. Add a scarf and a cossack hat and you are channeling Ali McGraw in Love Story.
I LOVE Old Navy coat. I need it.
I’m really impressed with that cute Eddie Bauer coat, I always thought Eddie Bauer stuff was just for my grandpa. I guess they’ve gotten cuter over the years!
the american eagle coat is really cute too
Coming from someone who is always cold, coats are a great accessory.
I need a good coat.
i love winrer coats and have way too many. this july i bought a navy blue down filled coat by Canadian designers PInk Tartan for $40 at Last Chance!!!! its worth about $550. I will never wear it in AZ, but when i travel to colder temps, I will look SOOOOO good in it!