It’s the first day of winter, and while I hate the cold, I have to say I love a great statement coat. It’s my favorite winter fashion find. You put one on and your basic black outfit transforms to something surprising yet simple. And you are comfortable as the temperature cools which to me, is always in style. There were some huge statement coat trends on the runway this Fall/Winter 2016 season: everything from exaggerated puffa to ornate and embroidered brocade. The best find, however, is a statement coat that can stand the test of time. Mine is from Favourbrook (www.favourbrook.com), a small store located in the fashionable Jermyn Street section of London (18 Picadilly Arcade, Jermyn Street, London).
The store is tiny (they have both a small men’s shop and ladies shop across the Arcade from one another), and their coats and menswear are all actually made in England. I have sent several friends to this shop and they have never been disappointed. Favourbrook was started in 1990 by three friends who were looking for an alternative to the drab clothes and outer wear found in England during that time. Favourbrook is now a little jewelry box of elegant and extravagant pieces, and the price point is not too bad (depending on the pound/dollar exchange rate at the time). I have never worn this coat and not received at least one compliment. After I purchased a few years ago, I was traveling a lot to London and Paris for work and I loved wearing this coat around Paris. I received numerous compliments and questions as to where I purchased it, and I loved watching the chic Parisians face when I told them it was from an English designer.
There are a few things to think about when purchasing a statement coat. Remember, it is a coat and therefore covers your entire body, and therefore will be big and potentially loud. Just something to keep in mind. It is all everyone will see. While I don’t own one, I am loving some of the leopard coats I have seen this season. I think those are fantastic statement coats, and because leopard is the new neutral, will go with almost anything in your closet.
I have paired my coat with a winter white sheath dress, giving the neutral cream dress some color and contrast, and well, make a statement. I also regularly pair this coat with all black underneath, or jeans. I have worn this several times to meet friends for a weekend brunch date. Running late, its cold, not sure what to throw on at the last minute – black sweater, black skinny parts and this coat and voila – I am ready to go.
Stay warm and make your own statement this winter!
Xoxo. Me
Coat: Favourbrook; Dress: Dolce & Gabbana; Shoes: Dior; Sunglasses: Tom Ford
Photography by Harold Daniels
See a few picks below for a statement coat:
I love how this Elie Tahari combines two big runway trends: leopard print and velvet, but manages to remain understated. Incredibly wearable, this coat says “look at me” but not “I’m asking for attention”.
While the style of this Lafayette 148 is classic, the fun color keeps it fresh and saves your dark winter outfits from becoming dreary. A great pick for the pattern-averse.
This Gucci metallic get up is what royal Christmas dreams are made of! It’s ladylike, but striking and intricate–definitely a piece that makes a splash.
