My love for camel

So whilst I am a big fan of the black coatigan thingymajig as explored the other day, the other coat that I can't live without is a camel one.  In fact I have two.

Tailored or... not tailored.  Aka the dressing gown.   Both are completely different but ironically both can be worn for exactly the same purposes and are completely versatile.  They will take you from the school run, to the office, to lunch, to dinner, to a party.  And both give a very different "look" and silhouette so it's incredibly easy to justify both.  What's not to love? 

I have two and in fact both of mine are from Zara.  Both are pretty dire quality I am gutted to report.  So it's handy that I am a complete coat addict and have enough to not have to wear them every day as I don't think either of them would have lasted one season.  But at the time, I couldn't find anything that fitted as well elsewhere (that wasn't £400+.... looking at you Jaeger....). 

With hindsight though, it would probably have been wise to have invested slightly more and when these bite the dust, I shall definitely be more selective with regards to quality.  Interestingly these days you don't have to spend a fortune but you do have to be careful about where you shop.  It also depends on what fits you - one man's meat (or boobs/shoulders/long arms/long torso etc) and all that.  

It's also a question of finding a shade that suits you.  Good luck with that one.  That's not one I can help you with and honestly, unless you are a colour enthusiast, the best way to pick one is to suck it and see.  Try it on.  If you look bleurgh in it, then it's not the right shade for you.  That clearly isn't the most scientific analysis in the world and I know those people at House of Rainbow or whatever it's called will be frothing at the mouth.  But seriously, it works.  I really don't think it's rocket science.  The majority of people will be able to try a coat on and look in the mirror and see that it just looks not quite right.  Trust your own judgement and your gut (and if not, take a friend...).  The other option is to wear a colour that you feel good in (which is usually a colour that suits you, in my, clearly not remotely experienced, experience) next to your face, separating it from the camel.  ie wear a scarf...

Which isn't hard in these temperatures that have plunged.  Oh my lord, HOW cold is it today?

Perfect time for a coat blog therefore and today, yes it's camel.  But I did come across some rather amazing navy and grey ones so I shall be looking at those shortly.  Black though?  Oh it's too hard. 

But happier times with me exploring my favourite shade.

I know that one of my really good friends has this one and it's stunning.  A completely classic coat that would look as good over a black dress as it would over jeans and a tee.  Just throw on wooly accessories for extra winter warmth. 

Atomic Coat from FCUK £140

Angelina Car Coat from Oasis £98 Love everything about this look.



Slightly more formal with this styling, but honestly, for Winter, over a black jumper, jeans and black ankle boots, this would be amazing.  Over a white tee, boyfriend jeans and sneakers for into the Spring.  Or a breton.  Camel coat and a breton = perfection. 

Windsmoor by Paul Costelloe Richmond Camel Coat was £299 now £179



Another single breasted and this time with a contrasting collar.  Now my tailored Camel coat has a charcoal contrast collar on the underneath and I often wear with the collar up.  A lovely different dimension to it and grey and camel are just heavenly together.  Easy to also team up with navy, black or berry shades. 

ASOS Coat with contrast collar £75



Boyfriend style again at Dorothy Perkins although this one is a slightly looser fit.  Also available online in Petite and Tall.  

Camel Brushed Boyfriend Coat was £49 now £36.75  This one probably isn't going to last you forever but it's a great addition to your wardrobe if you fancy giving the look a go but aren't sure of making a big investment.




Double Breasted in a Cocoon fit from ASOS was £85 now £63.50  Love the texture of this one.



Speaking of cocoon and texture, it would be rude to not include the Teddie coat from Whistles.  Clearly a blatant nod to the Maxmara one that is never ever in stock (apparently they do make them every year but only a limited edition and they're sold off a waiting list so never go into store).   Seeing as a) mere mortals can't get hold of the Maxmara one and ) mere mortals don't generally spend £1k plus on a coat, this one is a much more realistic option. 

The fact that if I were to wear one of these, I would look like I was dressing up as my dog, alas means it's not an option for me anymore.  However I am almost tempted for the comedy photographic opportunities.  Almost.

Teddie Cocoon Coat from Whistles £220 (they do also do this in navy...just saying...and seeing as I don't have a navy dog..)







Moving onto a more fluid cut now (dressing gown time) and this is probably the most similar to mine albeit in a creamer shade of camel ie beige.  Or stone.  So theoretically not really camel at all. 

Drop Sleeve Longerline Coat in Neutral from Oasis was £120 now £96




ASOS Coat With Waterfall Front and Belt was £95 now £71. This is also available in Tall, Curve and Petite.




Belted now with a large lapel but not as much fabric as a wrap coat. 

Religion Passage Drape Front Dresser Wool Coat with belt £130




This probably offers the best of both worlds.  So the structure of a more fitted style but with the simplicity and less formal fabric of a wrap coat.  Covering all the bases in just one purchase.  Genius.  (They also do it in black which is in the sale and would be exceptionally useful) 

ASOS Coat in Bonded Cloth with Raw Edge £90



And finishing with another that I'm throwing in as I love it.  Apparently it is camel but to me, it's more of a grey tone (that would be stone I guess) and is perfect if you feel you can't do certain camel shades.  ADORE. 

ASOS Coat in Oversized fit with popper detail £95