Think Pink?
Yes, it’s time for the Talbots Pink Coat reveal! But before I show you a picture of the coat, I want you to be in the right mindset. Think Mid-Century.
Think this…
Not this…
As I mentioned in comments on a previous post, I found it impossible to get a good shot of this coat on. The color is divine. I can only describe it as a neutral dusty pink. I think this would flatter many skin tones, and it certainly does mine. I’d had some trepidation about the fabric, but my fears of a crunchy texture that resembled the pelt of a Sesame Street character were for naught. While not cashmere-soft, it isn’t scratchy, and the texture is evenly fluffy.
But the shape, it’s definitely Mid-Century Full.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I’m for it!
Nay!
When you went through a wardrobe purge with an image consultant, didn’t you and she decide that boxy isn’t flattering on you? Don’t buy just because of the color; the whole package has to work, or you’re wasting your money.
I like the colour and the fact that you’ve teamed it with black, but I’m inclined to agree with the other bloggers – if you’re not entirely happy, send it back!
Boxy isn’t supposed to be figure flattering. Many things aren’t figure flattering and it all depends on the look you want to project. Personally I think it’s beautiful.
I also agree with the others; if it’s not a big YES… However, sometimes, even when we know what works for us, we want to create a different allure, bring a certain twist to our style. And I think this coat would do that. And I like how you’re wearing it on this post – with a shorter dress and tall boots. You look happy and stylish. This is what I think we want some outfits to do for us…
I’d love to hear Belette chime in with her therapist’s perspective re clothes — interesting to me is that you’ve set up so many negatives for this coat before showing it. And while you’ve pointed out how flattering the colour is for your face, you’ve almost obscured that for us with the camera. You’ve given us what you acknowledge is not the best pose for evaluating, and then you ask us to evaluate anyway. . . is there something about the pink and femininity and body image and permission to wear what we love but are not sure we qualify for/are entitled to going on here? . . .
Otherwise, I can’t say much about the coat as it really is hard to tell from this pose and what really matters is whether or not you love it and want to wear it — if that’s the case, I know you can make it work for you, given how clever and stylish you always are.
I love the color. I have to disagree with people who say that unless you’re madly in love with the piece, you shouldn’t get it. I’ve gotten plenty of pieces that I’m in doubt/nervous about and been so thankful I have them. In all cases I thought I looked GOOD in those items, my concern was that they were too bold, too expensive, too whatever.
So forget about love. Decide based on whether it’s flattering.
Because I am generally trying to optimize/minimize this that and the other, I’m pretty strict *with myself* about the silhouettes/prints/colors etc I will and won’t wear…unless I have a total “screw it, I love it” moment.
[Which is how I recently spent limited wardrobe dollars on a silk jersey “hey that Grandma Wamsutta’s bedding print is eating your head” top. But I’m always looking for excuses to wear it!]
But 99% of the time, I’m happier in stuff that I *think* flatters me well enough. So how will you be when it comes time to grab a coat?
Will you crossing fingers that temps plummet so you can wear it? Or will you always be putting it on, admiring the color, but disliking The Boxy? [I notice none of the catalog views show the coat buttoned….]
FTR, I’m not in love with the shape on you, but I know that if you adore it you’ll sashay down the street with confidence in it and I’ll think “ooooh, look at her.”
ps I take it you ruled out the Talbots’ Herringbone (petites; lined/unlined versions)? The funnel neck is fun and the mid-C blue seems like it would be nice.
I notice that the coat also comes in black. Would you wear it in black? Probably not. So that means you don’t love the coat, you love the color. Remember that you love that color and look for something else in that shade: a scarf, a cardigan, even a skirt or pedal pushers! But it doesn’t sound as if the coat, qua coat, is what you want.
“is there something about the pink and femininity and body image and permission to wear what we love but are not sure we qualify for/are entitled to going on here? . . . “
I think Mater is onto something. I think you knew this coat doesn’t fit the rules of figure flattery and mentally prepared yourself for the feedback which inevitably pointed this out. Look at the comments, almost all are less than positive. You knew this would be so and I venture to say feel a bit, insecure in going against the grain. A professional (Karen) recommended you don’t wear boxy, but yet you like the style.
I think you need to give yourself permission to wear something you love (really love) despite societal recommendations and norms.
Think of Sally at Already Pretty. She would say, “to h*** with the naysayers, wear what you love!”
And you know what? She’s right.
I’d like to see this coat done up add a scarf and have someone else take the picture…the colour looks great but I can’t truly see the coat.
Trust your instincts here…if you don’t abolutely love it return it…sleep on it Deja Pseu…you’ll know what to do.
I wasn’t taken with their coat in-store selection and as many have voiced, I add mine to the chorus. If you don’t love it – take it back. Yes, the color is yum, so buy a scarf in that color and look to the Calvin Klein coats out for the Fall/Winter – very military chic and figure flattering.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I really appreciate your thoughts and questions. Re-reading what I posted earlier, and looking again at the picture it became obvious that:
a) I was trying to talk myself into it, and
b) though I’m willing to wear something I love that isn’t totally flattering, this is just too far on the other side of that fence. Aside from the shape, the pockets and collar are too big for my frame.
Back it goes, but I just did a search for the color on the Talbots website and found a tee and a cardi in the same color, so will give those a try!
I was digesting each post before getting to my comment, but you’ve come to the right conclusion. If you don’t love it….Yes, my suggestion would have been to look for the same color in an accessory or sweater. You see, we’re not all enablers!
Love the color, length, collar, and sleeve length. I actually like the shape, it’s more egg shape than boxy and it reminds me of the balenciaga shape. However, the pockets would be so much better concealed and not so prominent on the front. I agree that why bother keeping it if you do not love the item, but it sounds like there are a lot of things about it that you do really like. I think what’s holding you back is it’s not fitting within your “rules” because of the perceived boxy shape. Sometimes, with a coat, it’s ok to break the rules a little. (says the woman who just broke all her own rules and purchased a faux leopard vintage coat that I adore). My leopard coat goes against all my wardrobe palate rules, but I love it so much!
Nay! It’s boxy and those pockets on the hips . . . I do love the color, though.
I’m with Freda, button it, try it with pants, then *you* will know. One can’t evaluate that welll from a photo, it is also how the piece drapes and moves. (Have been there too- colour divine but cut not.)
While Miss J LOVES the color and thus understands Miss Pseu’s coveting this coat, she doesn’t think it the cut does much to flatter Miss Pseu. At least not in this photograph. Nay.
I see you’ve already decided but I’ll comment anyway. I agree with what’s been said about everything not having to be figure flattering. It was a bad photo you posted and your vintage examples were all closed up. Still, I think you live in California and you drive. Why can’t you have a dashing, flying open dose of the most beautiful pink? I think a sweater or scarf in the color is not at all the same expression. Also, why does a coat have to be a federal case. Can’t you enjoy the color for now and another season you can pick again if you like.
Have you considered popping that collar up around your neck, adding a scarf and some long gloves, leaving the price tag tucked in and going out the door in it?
I say “nay.” It’s too much of a statement to not be totally in love with it. Find a scarf in the same color, and I think you’ll be more satisfied.
You should be completely in love with something. If you’re on the fence, then you’re not. And you’ll always be on the fence about it. That’s not going to change. Take it back and hold out for true love, DP.
Courage!
I agree. If you’re (still) on the fence, say no.
I had to come back because I had another thought.
When you worked with your wardrobe with Karen, what were some of the things she told you about silhouette and style that enabled your breakthroughs? Maybe ask yourself if all of those things apply to this coat.
Dear Pseu, I have tried hard to adhere to the my “rule” if you don’t love it, don’t buy it. It has saved me from many so so purchases. It seems I typically find something truly wonderful within a reasonable period of time. Go with your highly developed female instinct! Marsi had a good point about your wardrobe sessions with Karen.
Listen to the voice that is now a whisper in your head, it will probably get much louder saying, “why did I buy this”? It is so tempting to buy, but sounds like you know you will end up leaving it in the closet.
It’s a lovely color but what would be the deal breaker for me are the pockets. They ruin the silhouette. I have a similar coat in teal from Boden and I love it but it has on-seam pockets.
I adore it! Re the boxy fit – I don’t know what your climate is like and how much you are out during the day. I live where a coat is necessary for many months of the year, but I wear a coat only a tiny portion of the day. So even if its boxy, perhaps you’re not wearing it all day long. Especially if it’s not your only coat, I’d keep it!
I think it looks dumpy! Maybe over pants, but just too much pink! I have been checking out the Chicos and Talbots coats and jackets and find that the material is often stiff, thick and cheap. The mid century look made everyone look big. It’s just too boxy and too much fabric. Not enough swish and flow.
Glad you took it back!!!
I think that color is better inn an accessory. A pink coat is not a good long term investment.
I agree, love it or leave it!
Second thought: can you find a scarf in that color? That keeps it near your face, where it flatters.
I love it, but would be sure to wear it buttoned up, as that’s how those types are meant to be worn. The open look doesn’t work with the boxier cuts.
How fun!!!
I think the gulp of color is worth it. It’s a beautiful coat.
I like it. I think this cut has a more hipster vibe than you may usually wear, so that’s probably the confusion for you. In my opinion, it’s a more youthful take on fashion and I think you look great in it.
cg
I think you have made the right decision to send it back. The color is great–but the style/cut/fit is not optimal. It’s just too bad that it didn’t work. The idea was certainly a fun one. You are too cute and darling to be encased in a boxy coat.
I love the color, and if it were me, finding another item or two in that same shade, rather than keeping a coat I’m not sure about, would be the way to go.
That said, I think Wendy and Duchess are on to something. Do you have to decide right away? Could you live with it for a little while? Talbots has an impeccable return policy, and if you keep the receipt/packing slip to hand, you can wear it for a while and see what you think.
No. That’s all, just No. You wouldn’t have asked if you didn’t already know the answer, you just would have bought it. The colour is yummy though– and a big cashmere wrap or cardi-wrap in that shade would be something to look for…
I´m a bit late with my comment as you have already made the right decision. Please buy only the things you really need and love.
True love only – other wise, you will always regret it. Wear a pink scarf but the coat is not flattering, pink or not.
Love the coat and the colour x
I’m happy, Pseu, over my morning coffee to hear you have tracked another item in “that pink”! Please, show us that, too. It’s a good day when you find ‘your’ pink.
It’s a keeper, but no doubt would look best with slacks.
Trust YOUR doubts.
I like it. That said, I don’t own it. I often buy for color and find the style doens’t work–never will wear it just for the color, unfortunately.
Dear Pseu,
I’m glad you found the other items as back up, but before you send the coat back, I urge you to play with it a little: Going for Imogene’s “column of color” idea, try narrow trousers and high-necked sweater in black, camel, taupe or chocolate. Add long scrunchy kid gloves. Flip the collar up, down, asymmetrical, with scarf and without. If you still feel unsure or self-conscious, return it. But a coat in a color you love that much could really brighten a dreary winter day; I wouldn’t let it go too soon.
Ummmm, no, I don’t think so.
If you really were in love with it, you would have known. Love is simple. On the fence is always complicated, a compromise.
(I see what you mean about pink and Sesame Street characters — to funny.)
I might, thanks to you and Mater, take pink on as a psychological concept. Thanks for the inspiration, lovely you! I hope you find the pink coat of your dreams.
Thanks again, everyone, for your feedback!
Honestly, if you can’t pull the trigger without wondering – then it’s most likely a no.
Personally I only like mid century swing or full coats on tall lanky people. I am neither. I have a 50s cashmere coat that I never wear because it makes me look pregnant. It is a beautiful coat though. Never leaves the house.
Keep the color in mind though.
I agree with Marsi. I’m all about needing to love the big pieces (like outerwear) that you are going to wear often. Actually I’m all about needing to love anything you spend money on these days! The coat isn’t bad, but if you don’t love it, if it doesn’t make you sparkle while wearing it, then back it should go!
I love it. You can wear any range of solid combos underneath and still use the coat as the simplest punctuation. Go for it!