The Perfect Coat

November 20, 2007, New York - Call me crazy, but I look forward to cooler weather when a heavy coat becomes part of my daily ensemble. To me, the search for the perfect winter coat is like choosing one outfit that I will wear day in and day out, so it must be just right. Certainly most of us have more than one piece of outerwear to get us through the brisk seasons. Inevitably, however, one always pulls ahead from the pack and I find myself donning this certain piece more often than the others. When I slip into this particular coat it’s magic, as proportion, color, fit, and fabric all align.
 
Last year a black vintage treasure with brown fur trim was reserved for dressier occasions, a sporty leather bomber barely made it out of my closet, and a herringbone cape never seemed quite right. It was the preppy, navy wool coat that became my standard. I loved the way this coat fit, especially the belted waist that felt so good to cinch after recently having given birth, and its knee-skimming length. The slightly rounded shape of the collar, printed silk lining, and buttoned cuffs were subtle enough details that this coat felt minimal and chic. I haven’t had a reason to pull it out of my closet just yet, but something tells me when I slip on this old friend that my affection will have waned and I’ll be searching for a signature coat for this winter soon.  - Liz Figenshu