Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hola Gondola

A printed stripe makes an unexpected cameo in this cheery spin-off of the classic peacoat and hello, no one will miss you if you wear it.
It's for you, my dear friends in blogland
why I'm wearing the Gondola stripe coat.
And doing the IRL tryout of the store image captured by jcrewismyfavstore.
The café capri in foulard colors don't seem to photograph well with the coat but here's a close-up look at them together:
In case you're wondering, I'm 5'2" wearing size 00.
Here's a shot with the coat worn buttoned:
And here I'm showing you just how wrinkled my shirt is:
The description continues with (my commentary in parentheses):
We started with a luxe wool crepe (it's most similar to J.Crew's wool crepe suiting for weight and texture) sourced from a Japanese mill, then printed over it in our exclusive nautical stripe—a rare technique that requires special craftsmanship to pull off (so the stripes are printed, not woven, not sure what that gets you except it's another point for its distinction?).

With cropped sleeves (you can see they are cropped even on my
petite height) and a classic nautical feel (yep, navy blue, red and white stripes), it's the perfect piece to pull you out of a wardrobe rut (it's obviously not a run-of-the-mill coat). Standing collar (what?! it is not). Flap pockets.
Functional buttons at cuffs. (Single vent in the back.)
Lined (fabric and lining composition below).
Hits at midthigh (not on petites). Part of J.Crew Collection
(see white, not black, Collection label pictured below,
along with the chain for hanging the coat). Import. Dry clean.
I'm not sure why I'm not in love with it. Maybe it's because I prefer single-breasted coats. Maybe it's because it doesn't have the tie-silk inside pocket, grosgrain ribbon lining waistband and unexpected fun print lining of yore.
It does have some nice buttons:
Or maybe I need to see it with more outfits ...
so come back to see these this week.

Does anyone else wonder why this coat is named Gondola stripe?
I could not find a clear connection. The traditional Venetian rowing boat used to be many colors but due to a law meant to restrain luxury or extravagance, they are now painted black. Pictures of them are often accented with bright blue and the red of the gondolier's kerchief, hatband and sash. Maybe the stripes are reminiscent of the boats lined up when docked. Or maybe it's a nod to the original "venetian blinds" -- the louvered shutters for closing windows of the cabins often on gondolas until the early 20th century.

Or maybe it's just a random name.
Whatever. It caused me to tell you something you didn't know before,
most likely. And maybe that will be the answer to some
million-dollar question someday.
Unlikely.

23 comments:

  1. I love this coat on you!! Thanks so much for the link love!

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    1. It was on your blog I first saw this coat. Thanks and thanks so much for coming by.

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  2. I love this coat. I've created a ton of PV sets and can't wait to wear it. Because I wear a lot of denim and navy it is kind of perfect for me. It is great looking on you.

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    1. Thanks! Unless there's an unusually cool day, it will be months before I can wear this coat. Sounds like the coat is perfect for you!

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  3. love it. have the gondola silk tee and wear all the time. however, thinking i need those pants to pair with it...if they had a short (something in the bermuda style) that would be adorable!

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    1. Bermuda shorts in that foulard print would be absolute adorable!! Great idea, I hope JC takes it.

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  4. The coat is beautiful, but I would wear solid colour pants with it. I think there is too much going on with the foulard capris. JMO, of course.

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    1. I think I'd prefer solid color pants too. I was trying on the mannequin look to see how it would be IRL. ;)

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  5. The coat is so nice. I have the silk tee and have been loving it so far. I am not a big fan of double-breasted coat. Thought if this coat is single-breasted, would be much better.

    Just found your awesome blog, following you :)

    http://mui28.blogspot.com

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    1. I agree, wish it was single. I just went to visit you! :)

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  6. Interesting effect, you look very tall in this outfit.

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    1. Really?! Very tall?? My husby will be amused since I always need his help to get the stuff out of the top shelves.

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  7. I second XOXO, you look quite tall. I like the combination of stripes and pattern, what fun!

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    1. I laughed when I was your comment! Quite tall ... if you can only see me IRL you'd know I'm a shrimp. ;)

      You have a real talent for combining patterns! I like trying new combinations to keep things interesting.

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    2. Late night dyslexia! I meant saw, not was. I laughed when I saw ... and I still laugh at the thought of tall me. ;)

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  8. Oh, if I needed another coat, this would be on my radar. It looks amazing with the capri pants, too. Lovely! :) I will just have to try a pretty striped top with my foulards to mimic this look.

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    1. I can picture it on you, Dina! And thanks, it was fun to try the coat with the foulard print. With it being so different, I can see the coat inspiring a lot of looks.

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  9. I love stripes with a pattern and this is perfect. Also the two tone shoes offset the goodness really well...

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  10. While I love the pattern, I think I would have been all over this coat if it was cropped like a blazer - or would that have been too marching band?
    Regardless, this pairing you put together is genius - the mix of patterns is gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Lisa. IKWYM, the light bulb went off with my latest post ... marching band or a flag!

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  11. I like the foulard pants with the coat. Very bold. I willdefinitely try to recreate this look.

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    1. Thank you. Bold indeed. Have fun trying it out. :)

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