A Not-So-Mad Plaid Coat

If you are looking for a new overcoat for the upcoming winter, you may want to look a little beyond the classic solid colored ones and think plaid. In general, plaids are coming back stronger than ever this winter, especially in the overcoat department.

Key words for this season's overcoat:

• Big bold plaids  
• Oversized in blanket or bath robe style

I found this trend especially challenging on my petite frame. It's much easier to embrace these two elements one at a time: "plaids + slim", or "solid + oversized". I've tried a couple of plaid oversized coat (like this Theory piece), and felt totally overwhelmed. If you check out other fashion bloggers, you will find many of them, except for those tall ladies, only "kind of" wear those new trendy coats -- throwing one on the shoulder is not really wearing it; in winter, we all need a coat that sits nicely on the shoulder when we put our arms through the sleeves and button up. Honestly, although being understated is the new sexiness, plaid oversized coats are really made for taller girls with wider shoulders who have the asset to play a tomboy. I'll try to stay sober in all this madness for plaid.

Here is my not-so-mad plaid coat from Marni. Slim cut and streamlined. Another investment piece I got two years ago.

Wool coat: Marni (more plaid coats from Theory, Polo Ralph Lauren, Free People, Rag & Bone, Sea, Trina Turk)
Wrap dress: Tory Burch
Pumps: Fendi
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Wrap the Sunshine

A well-fitted wrap dress is a must-have for female professionals. Usually made of comfortable stretchy materials, wrap dresses tend to hug the female body in the right places and hide all the imperfections under its drape. And Diane von Furstenberg has made her name on wrap dresses. Wiki says:

Although it is often claimed that Diane von Fürstenberg 'invented' the wrap dress in 1972/73, Richard Martin, the curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, noted that the form of von Fürstenberg's design had already been "deeply embedded into the American designer sportswear tradition," with her choice of elastic, synthetic fabrics distinguishing her work from earlier wrap-dresses. Wrap-dresses had been designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s, and Claire McCardell in the 1940s, whose original 'popover' design became the basis for a variety of wrap-around dresses.

The von Fürstenberg interpretation of the wrap dress, knee-length, in clinging jersey, with long sleeves, was so popular and so distinctive that the style has generally become associated with her. She has stated that her divorce inspired the design, and also suggested it was created in the spirit of enabling women to enjoy sexual freedom. There has even been a book dedicated entirely to von Fürstenberg's wrap dresses.

Wow, I have to admit that I didn't think that much! Freedom and liberation! All I know is, it looks both feminine and professional... :)

Wrap dress: Diane von Furstenberg Julian silk jersey wrap dress (current season)
Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood two tone patent leather block heel pump
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black