Welcome to an all new series on AskSuzanneBell! Starting this week, Style Me Monday, will feature one item from my closet – styled 5 ways – to get your style wheels turning for the week ahead. And to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of ASB style, I’m styling an item that was featured in my very first blog post, a piece I still wear today. If you missed the Eight Year Blog Anniversary Celebration, PRESS HERE.
Debuting 8 years ago in, “Hey Fall, Whatcha Got For Me?”, the Elytra Cocoon Coat, is a testament to the power behind purchasing quality pieces you love.
Truth be told, I almost didn’t purchase this coat. It’s red, not black, and 8 years ago, the styling of this coat was pretty fashion forward. But it spoke to me. And after stalking it throughout the fall and holiday season, I pulled the trigger when it hit the January sale racks in 2014. By Corey Lynn Calter, this coat has become a staple in my wardrobe. As often as I wear it, when I searched the archives, I didn’t have many photos of me wearing this coat. But I only needed five looks for this post, so what do you say we take a look?
What makes this coat a winner
1. The yummy shade of red can make any outfit – including leggings and a simple cashmere sweater – pop.
2. The short, yet wide sleeves allow for endless layering options, making this the perfect coat, for our mild California winters.
3 and 4. Despite the short sleeve, this is a cozy coat. In these next two looks – apologies for the poor quality 2014 iPhone photos – I was heading off to NYC. To the left, I’m wearing a heavy turtleneck sweater, and to the right, a blouse and leather jacket, under my coat. I’ve always loved how well this coat pairs with animal print and faux fur accessories. Fuchsia purple and red, are one of my favorite color combinations.
5. I love how this red topper elevates my tunic + leggings + tall boot uniform. The print of the sleeve, peeking out of the coat, adds flair.
Do you own a statement coat? If along your journey, you find a piece that really speaks to you, don’t be afraid to add it to your wardrobe. If you love it, you will wear it, and it will be worth every penny!
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I’m suffering from coat envy – what a lovely versatile piece.
I have a gorgeous orange wool, collarless, wrap coat with a tie belt, When I bought it, I thought it was a rash purchase but it has proved much more useful than a sensible grey coat I bought around the same time. The orange gets a frequent and varied outing, the grey is rarely seen.
Hi Tina, thank you for stopping by and dropping a comment. Your orange coat sounds so amazing, and I love that it gets so much wear. Because something like a coat tends to be a “bigger purchase”, I think its natural to lean towards a neutral like brown, black, grey or navy – but, a top coat is an opportunity, as you have experienced, to add some color and fun, during the dreary days of winter – perhaps that is why we gravitate towards our colorful coats. Thank you for sharing, I bet you will enjoy that coat for many years to come! xx Suzanne
You are beautiful and so creative. I love you
Hi Sus! Thank you for stopping by this morning. I thought of you when I was pulling this post together as you compliment me in this coat, every time I wear it. It’s one of those pieces that can brighten any dreary day that the weather dishes out. I really appreciate your continued support of my little space here on the web. Readers like you inspire me to continue to push out new content, and I thank you so much! Hugs, Suz
Hi Suzanne, how can it be 8 years!!! So glad I spotted you on Sylvia’s Blog 40plusstyle love talking fashion and life.
You have just made my mind up for me, I am about to go away for a long weekend and need a coat to take with me, it is going to be my orange swade and leather jacket, it’s going to be a little cool where we are going.
Thank you for all the inspiration!!!
xxx Helen
Hi Helen, Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We’ve know each other in this crazy blogging world for sometime, it’s been fun to see you post over the years. Your coat sounds amazing, I hope it worked out and you had a wonderful weekend away. All the best, Suzanne