Tuesday, December 8, 2009

BREAKING OUT THE BIG GUNS

12-8-09 1a

A faithful reader asked yesterday if I was cold in my velvet blazer.  Well, yes, I was.  When I take my pictures outside, I opt to ditch the coat for the glory of a cute outfit and beautiful backdrop.  Once it gets this cold, I wear the warmest coat I can find, which means function over fashion.  So, I thought I'd share one of the pieces that I run for after taking those daily shots.

While function takes priority, I don't abort the fashion aspect altogether.  I've mentioned before how much I hate buying coats and nothing has changed on that front.  I definitely prefer higher quality when it comes to outerwear and that, of course, comes with a higher price tag.

Since I'm such a bargain hunter, I end up agonizing over the purchase for most of the winter, refusing to give in to anything less than the deal of the century.  I prefer not to pay more than $100 for a winter coat, which can be a pretty difficult task, but it's not impossible.

12-8-09 2a

We live in a valley in central Pennsylvania where the winters can get a little brutal.  It's not so much the cold or the snow that will penetrate your core, it's the wind!  I moved here to go to college almost 11 years ago, and since then, a long puffer jacket has been a crucial part of my winter wardrobe.  I hate being chilled to the bone and nothing blocks it out quite like down.

I happen to have three long down coats at the moment, but since the purchase of my third one, the first two will be on their way to goodwill very soon.  Since they're so old, they are way too big and and after having to wear them and feeling miserable in them last winter, I vowed to replace them.

Well, my stubborn and miserly ways have proven fruitful once again!  RueLaLa was an awesome sponsor of the Weardrobe Conference back in September and left us each with a sizable credit to use in one of their discounted designer boutiques.  Long before the impending winter chill, RueLaLa launched a Betsey Johnson boutique where I snagged this cloak of winter warmth.  After my account credit, I only paid $40!  It was the most boring and practical purchase at the time, but now I'm 100 times thankful for my foresight!

12-8-09 3a

Oh, Betsey, your unexpected details make me giddy!

P.S. Drop me an email if you'd like an invitation to join RueLaLa!

33 comments:

  1. Ah yes, the marshmallow coat. I know and love/hate it. Mine is a Michael Kors from TJ Maxx. Gotta love a good steal on an otherwise outrageous item!

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  2. You look cute and that coat definitely looks warm! Someone said I was lucky it was so warm in Washington...they didn't realize it was in the 20s when I took that set of pictures...I ditch my coat also. :)

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  3. LOVE the bow in the back!

    And see, us Californians think people are PSYCHO taking pics in the snow with little cardigans on. It makes sense now that you're actually freezing your asses off and just do without the coat for a few pics. I thought we were just wimps here . . . but I'm definitely running for my coat when it's in the 40's!

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  4. Hehe! I'm also guilt of taking off coats for photos. I sometimes change shoes after shots too. :p
    Reckon you can convince RueLala to go international?

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  5. I LOVE the coat! I just made a scheduled post about winter coats. I love this one! This is perfect for Utah winters.


    clothedmuch.blogspot.com

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  6. You look wonderfully cozy!

    colormenana.blogspot.com

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  7. I am all about form function and frugality! This coat is all of the above! I take my pictures INSIDE all the time, (unless its in the 70's really) because I just can't tolerate the cold even for a second (Although it is -4 out over here!) I think I would love a coat like this!

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  8. Mmm! That coat looks incredibly cozy!


    www.antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com

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  9. What a great coat!!! How lucky that it only cost you $40!! Enjoy the warmth it brings you.

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  10. Great coat for keeping the cold out and still keep you in style! I was not able to get a more fitted style this winter, but next year I will have a yummy fitted number!

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  11. I hate puffer coats, especially the long ones, but the bow on this one makes it completely acceptable in my opinion. I started ditching the coat, then decided to retreat indoors for pictures hence the shots from my classroom.

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  12. Yup, I have almost the same coat. I just got it from my parents and it's a black puffy down coat from Tahari via TJMaxx. I call it my sleeping bag coat but nothing beats it! It's soft and cozy and keeps me warm and I'm all about that over feeling stylish yet frostbitten. S.

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  13. oh my god, I have total coat envy! I've been looking for a long puffer for so long, definitely needed for winters in Boston! I would love an invite to Rue La La!

    jkoboyle@gmail.com

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  14. Now THAT is a stylin' down coat. Way to nab a winner! That bow is too cute for words.

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  15. I know what you mean about not wanting to pay top dollar for a coat. Especially since they go on sale so lickity quick. My problem is that by the time I head back for the sale; my size is no longer available:(

    Anyhoo, you look absolutely charming as always and that coat looks amazing on! Not only will it keep you warm and cozy...but looking ever so stylish too.

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  16. I ditch the jacket often too... else the looks would get pretty repetative.
    But I do declare... that jacket is one hell of a jacket. So warm and unexpectedly adorable (the bow and all) and for only $40 your cost! High fives all around. I'm a bit jealous because we're into out first winter storm and this jacket would have been ideal!

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  17. i feel you...i remember those winters from 4 years at lyco! gotta say, ithaca isn't any better--if not worse. i find myself getting a bigger, puffier, longer coat every two or three years! ;)

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  18. Im not usually a fan of the puffer coat, but that Betsey one is adorable, love the bow detail.
    xoxo Jolie
    http://senoritafashionista1.blogger.com/

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  19. I live in a cold climate and REFUSE to wear a puffer coat. I abhor them. BUT this is the cutest one I've ever seen, and the bow makes me almost want one for myself. I like your coat, and I never thought I'd say such a thing. :-P

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  20. i love this look! stylish yet warm :)

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  21. I'm glad you are able to keep warm. It's been -25C (which works out to -13F) here lately, so winter clothes have been a neccessity.

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  22. I could use a coat like that right about... NOW!

    Ash
    goldleafashley.blogspot.com

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  23. That bow on the back is just precious :) I was wondering how you stayed warm in such a cold winter climate, and now I see! Great buy, for sure!

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  24. oh yes the wind. i hate how it reaches my bones.

    i love how you let a little plaid peek. it's hard to look fab in winter and get warm ate the same time. but you make it look so easy.

    http://herarmoire.blogspot.com

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  25. Nice warm and toasty coat :) It's like being wrapped in a down blanket, but so much more fashionable!

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  26. I'm going to buy an official winter coat tonight. The drive home is going to be trecherous, I can feel it!

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  27. that sweater looks so ridiculously comfortable. i'm in love with it :)

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  28. I so need a coat like this! I had a great winter coat a couple years ago and I wore it into the ground. That coupled with the fact that it still held memories of my ex, I got rid of it one summer and have yet to replace it. Thanks for sharing your practical and functional side with us :)

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  29. Yes! Right now it is as cold as it gets, I am in my warmest coats every day.

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  30. Do i see a bow at the back....you definitely look super cute from behind in this coat. I guess,function has to precede form in winters that you guys have, just checked out the snow pics you have put in the next post.

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  31. I love the bow detail on the back!

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  32. I'm such a betsey fanatic and I have never seen this coat before, its so fun! her unexpected details are truly the best. such a cute little detail on the back, and it looks super warm. Can't believe you only spent 40 after store credit.... good work for sure! is that online boutique still open? I need to check this out stat!

    xoxo

    thediscerningfashionista.blogspot.com

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