Benefits of Chilly Days : Coats from Designer Dream Closet

by jennine on November 13, 2009

maria severyna coat

Whenever people ask why I left Southern California, because I love it there, the people, the culture, the weather, the burritos. I left for only two reasons…
1. I hate driving
2. I love winter wear…

I love hats, sweaters, jackets, gloves, scarves… coats! And while coats can be a tricky, they can get frumpy very quickly if you don’t have one that fits properly, or if you don’t take layering in consideration (a mistake I’ve made a million times). And it’s hard to find a coat that breaks out of the standard black. A while back I had written a post about a mystery designer, Maria Severyna whom didn’t have any information about her online. When the seller behind Designer Dream Closet contacted me, she noted that the designer lives a very private life and only sells to a few boutiques and online through Designer Dream Closet, one store that I loved to look through on several occasions, she wanted to give me a gift of my choosing, and I just fell in love with this tweed coat.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure about how the clothes looked on real people (it’s hard to tell on eBay), but I was interested as there are quite a few pieces by Maria Severyna that are really interesting and at reasonable prices. When I got the coat, I fell in love instantly, there are several ways to style it, and I got it yesterday, and still working on new ways to wear it. The tweed is soft, almost fuzzy and very cozy. The asymmetrical dramatic cuts are very glamorous feeling, and I really love wearing it.  However, I would have say, that it’s not lined, so it’s best for chilly but not frigid days, and definitely not for cold, windy days, unless you have serious layering. But I really love this, and in the one day I’ve been in possession of it, two complete strangers complimented me on it. That hasn’t happened since the days of my old tweed coat that is now in the hands of Jeanne B.
ms-2
ms-3ms-4


Here’s what I’m wearing underneath…bluedressCoat : Maria Severnya • Glasses : Urban Outfitters • Sweater : H&M • Dress : Thrifted • Tights : We Love Colors • Boots : Aldo • Belt : Rocky •  Bag : Coach

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{ 57 comments }

Princess Poochie November 13, 2009 at 3:23 pm

That’s why I left Florida!
.-= Princess Poochie´s last blog ..Color Study – Orange =-.

Sweety P November 13, 2009 at 3:24 pm

I adore this coat!
.-= Sweety P´s last blog ..The Perfect Pair: The Sachika Twins and their Fashion Journey =-.

K-Line November 13, 2009 at 3:56 pm

What a gorgeous coat! And I can totally get with those reasons for leaving California – nice place though it is…
.-= K-Line´s last blog ..Clip Trip =-.

KB November 13, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Gorgeous design, so unique. I’m still searching for my perfect coat, not having much luck so far. If only I had the patience to try and make one…
.-= KB´s last blog ..The many faces of Somerset House =-.

Steff November 13, 2009 at 4:26 pm

That jacket is gorgeous! And Katherine at Designer Dream Closet is such a dear!
.-= Steff´s last blog ..2nd time’s a charm… =-.

ClandestineChic November 13, 2009 at 4:43 pm

That jacket is truly gorgeous and her other pieces are really beautiful and well constructed. Great choice!
.-= ClandestineChic´s last blog ..Head Gear =-.

Phyllis November 13, 2009 at 4:46 pm

i totally agree! it’s mid november and still sandal weather here! i love your coat, so gorgeous
loving your blog – you’ve got great style =)
.-= Phyllis´s last blog ..camouflage =-.

fashionable palette November 13, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Beautiful coat…and I love your belt. xx
.-= fashionable palette´s last blog ..i’ll tell you in another life, when we are both cats =-.

missdtm November 13, 2009 at 5:13 pm

this coat is GORGEOUS! i love it….
.-= missdtm´s last blog ..sketchbook project =-.

Nickie Frye November 13, 2009 at 5:17 pm

OMIGosh, I love that coat! It’s fabulous! I could use that in the Bay Area. You know what Mark Twain said, “the coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco”. No doubt! What’s up with that? Anyway, I love the belt, too. I just sold a similar vintage belt with lion faces & chains on it. I think you would’ve liked it! Have a good weekend! xoxo
.-= Nickie Frye´s last blog ..Vintage Silver Sequin Blouse =-.

jennine November 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm

wow thanks so much for the lovely comments!
❤ poochie…great minds think alike! :)
❤ kline…yeah, but i may return, i don’t think i’m done yet!
❤ kb..ooh yeah, that blasted sewing machine, taking so much time!
❤ phylliss, but sandals are so nice!
❤ nickie… oh yes, that’s what i love about SF, my favorite city in the world! how did i miss the lion belt?

Feelmore November 13, 2009 at 6:01 pm

There are so many things to say – Love LOVE the belt, love the shoes, love the overall styling! Also the two reasons why you chose to move are the same two reasons I would… one day… one day!

Iheartfashion November 13, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Lovely! The coat’s beautiful and so is the dress. What a great look.

maggie/noirohio vintage November 13, 2009 at 7:42 pm

YES! I love this piece! I recently purchased a Maria Severyna coat too. I have to admit I was disappointed that it was not lined as well. Oh well, the beauty of it outweighs that minor flaw! You look stunning!
xo
.-= maggie/noirohio vintage´s last blog ..NEW VINTAGE GOODIES! =-.

Carla November 13, 2009 at 8:30 pm

I love winter clothes too. I dont do well physically in warm weather so the northeast is ideal for me. I LOVE this time of year and I love your coat!
.-= Carla´s last blog ..Documentary – Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags =-.

jennine November 13, 2009 at 9:02 pm

❤maggie, yeah, i know, but at the same time it was suprisingly warm…but i’m thinking of having lining put in, not sure yet! we’ll see! i’m glad we’re coat twins!

katie November 13, 2009 at 9:29 pm

oh my god- that coat is fantastic!! you better get some bodyguards b/c if i run into you wearing that in chicago, i think i’ll be driven into a coat-envy frenzy and try to rip it off of you!
.-= katie´s last blog ..Want it Now: Velvet Skinny Pants =-.

adah potato November 13, 2009 at 9:43 pm

Egads! I love the cut of this coat. I always love my cold clothes better that my summer ones too. I like chunky clothes and the cold weather food that goes with them. Yay to potatoes, garlic, onions and fall greens from the garden. There, I said it.

p.s. and I am still so lovin those boots. They seem like the type that could make friends with any outfit.

THE END
.-= adah potato´s last blog ..Washington DC and Asbury Park =-.

Sher November 13, 2009 at 10:03 pm

Oh wow! Your coat is so lovely and I really like what you’re wearing underneath it too!!
.-= Sher´s last blog ..Wedding Singer =-.

Motorcycle Parts November 13, 2009 at 11:23 pm

wao beautiful you looks very gorgeous in this clothes.i love this designs.

beckyxoxo November 14, 2009 at 12:47 am

how wonderful this look is ! i adore your coat so so much ! and amazing dress and belt underneath :)
.-= beckyxoxo´s last blog ..What Would My Mama Do? =-.

Corinna November 14, 2009 at 6:19 am

the coat is really pretty and i think it could be quite useful when you have to sit down on a cold bench or something
.-= Corinna´s last blog ..The most exciting attractions are between two opposites that never meet =-.

Astrid November 14, 2009 at 7:36 am

What great designs-I had never heard of her, thanks for posting!
http://www.astridland.blogspot.com

Clare November 14, 2009 at 7:47 am

I love the asymmetrical hem, and the neck too. Gorgeous!

(but is it wool…?) ;)
.-= Clare´s last blog ..Stella & Dot Giveaway Reminder!! =-.

jennine November 14, 2009 at 8:16 am

❤katie..hahah bodyguards!!!
❤adah, oh yes, i prefer the cooler months too for some strange reason, and winter foods…delish! the boots are a surprising buy, i never thought i’d wear them s much.
❤corina…nothing like sitting in the park on a chilly day!
❤astrid, she’s pretty reclusive, so it was great to find her to begin with.
❤clare… we need more asymmetry in the world right. :)

kyla November 14, 2009 at 9:50 am

That is an amazing coat! And I can’t believe that dress was thrifted?! Lucky gal! I love it all!

WendyB November 14, 2009 at 10:07 am

My favorite belt…that’s a great coat but I’m still a summer person!
.-= WendyB´s last blog ..Jimmy Choo for H&M and … Duck! =-.

Kristen November 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

Great coat, it looks so cozy and I LOVE the cut. I wish it was fall all year round because of the season’s choices, jackets, sweaters, layers, hats and scarves. Those Aldo boots make it into your outfits quite regularly, they look great and I am guessing they are really comfortable?
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Infatuation List: Five Fall Fashion Favorites =-.

dreamsequins November 14, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Wow- what a fantastic find. It looks cozy yet subtly luxurious. I love the flounces and the shape of it. It’s feminine, yet not overly cloying. Thumbs up!
.-= dreamsequins´s last blog ..Slashed by Ann-Sofie Back =-.

enc November 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

That’s the most interesting coat I’ve seen in a long time. I love the look of it!
.-= enc´s last blog ..Gwyneth is a Basket Case =-.

xo, Alexi November 14, 2009 at 12:45 pm

I totally agree! Winter fashion is so much fun! I LOVE the cute coats, but I think my favorite part is having an excuse to wear cute boots and knee high socks/tights. Plus, you can always go back to SoCal for vacations!
.-= xo, Alexi´s last blog ..40 years old =-.

jennine November 14, 2009 at 4:09 pm

❤wendy… hehe, well you also have some great coats!
❤kristen, ooh, they are surprisingly comfortable, i always think that they aren’t, and for the first few minutes, they aren’t but for some reason, they get more comfortable after i’ve been wearing them for a while.
❤dreamsequins, kyla, enc thanks!
❤alexi, knee high socks are the best. and vacations, it’s good to have family in warm places!

Alicia November 14, 2009 at 6:09 pm

*SQUEE!*

That coat is ACES!! I love the draping and the tweed is very unexpected for that silhouette. I wish it did get colder here. I’d probably have to get one myself.
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..Superfresh 002: Stuff I =-.

kay November 14, 2009 at 6:54 pm

Love the coat. I would like to see it in person. Do you know what boutique might carry it in the NYC area?

Miss Cavendish November 14, 2009 at 9:20 pm

I’m always so happy when I can put on a proper coat–and then again in the spring when I can wear shorts . . .
.-= Miss Cavendish´s last blog ..Simply Red =-.

Favourite Vintage Finds November 15, 2009 at 5:50 am

A fabulous ensemble – LOVE it!
.-= Favourite Vintage Finds´s last blog ..Fave Finds For Auction! Ebay 22 November… =-.

K8 November 15, 2009 at 8:55 am

stunning coat! And I really love your boots, they’re sooo great.
.-= K8´s last blog ..Flash Back v. Fresh New Juicy Couture Ads: Love it or Hate it and Getting Inside the Minds of Fashion Marketers. =-.

Alice November 15, 2009 at 10:34 am

It is a gorgeous coat. I love the way it casually wraps around the body, creating all the folds and gathers and the asymmetry only enhances the look. I’ve been a fan of structured, fitted coats for long enough and I love this counterpart.

Funnily enough, half of my wardrobe consists of coats and jackets but I wear only a few of them. Not sure why, I think I should revisit my closet!
.-= Alice´s last blog ..White Rabbit selected for IFB’s Links à la Mode! =-.

violetville November 15, 2009 at 12:11 pm

i should have taken a photo of you yesterday in the coat! for once, it was too bad that it wasn’t cold out! i love how the coat drapes in back. i checked out designer dream closet too, i’m thinking about that maria severyna one-shoulder black knit dress! i really love the asymmetric nature of her pieces!
.-= violetville´s last blog ..BLACK CHARMEUSE Vtg 50s CHiFFON/RUFFLE PARTY DRESS~XS/S =-.

jennine November 16, 2009 at 5:50 pm

i know! it was warm that day… i’m not complaining! but i can totally see you in the one shoulder knit dress!

Fashiongrail November 15, 2009 at 3:33 pm

LOVE everything about the coat!!!
.-= Fashiongrail´s last blog ..Celebrity Copycat: New Moon’s Rob Pattinson’s Look for Less! =-.

Lizzie November 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Those are the exact two reasons I will be leaving Southern California as soon as I graduate! Love your outfit btw :)

Jen November 15, 2009 at 8:49 pm

Love that coat! Looks so cute with those boots. :)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..I Heart Fashion =-.

Marta November 16, 2009 at 3:25 am

That dress is really chic.
.-= Marta´s last blog ..Diary =-.

gina November 16, 2009 at 8:06 am

That is a really great coat.

I used to live in the building behind you! The one in the “what I’m wearing underneath” picture. I love your photography. You always have amazing pictures.
.-= gina´s last blog ..Partying with Babies Yet Again =-.

Krista November 16, 2009 at 8:24 am

Adore that coat. You are too cute.

Fasshonaburu November 16, 2009 at 2:08 pm

that coat… takes my breath away!
.-= Fasshonaburu´s last blog ..Fishnet Sweater =-.

Andrea November 16, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Wow, such a beautiful coat – I love the cut and the fact that you can wear it in a variety of ways! Though I love the sun, something about the fall/winter makes everything feel cozy. It’s fun to be able to put on a lot of layers and bundle up.
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Fashion Gifts =-.

jennine November 16, 2009 at 5:48 pm

that’s my favorite thing to this time of year, bundle!

Anna November 16, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Those boots are so amazing, I may just cry!
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Purple and Polka Dots in the Loop =-.

Sister Wolf November 16, 2009 at 9:42 pm

Lipstick credit please!
.-= Sister Wolf´s last blog ..“In What Respect, Charlie?” =-.

jennine November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am

oooh i keep forgetting about lipsticks!
it’s some eco-friendly lipstick by zuzu luxe in ‘vino de amor’
http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=42&ParentCat=20

selena November 17, 2009 at 10:09 pm

i can’t believe that dress is thrifted, it’s so pretty. and i love the jacket and the shoes! it’s turning into summer in australia at the moment and i’m so jealous of all your winter outfits! :)

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