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Banana Republic Black Wool Top Coat

post #1 of 11
11/3/11 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 

Hi, newbie here.  I'm a reasonably dressed professional engineer who has decided to make some positive changes to how I present myself, including my wardrobe.  I've been lurking for a while and I've finally decided to end my paralysis by analysis and start doing something.

 

I purchased a new top coat on sale from BR last weekend for $150 and I'm debating on whether to keep it.  I think it looks pretty good on me, certainly much better than my existing, shapeless overcoat, and I feel good wearing it.  However, I'm concerned that it isn't really "timeless" with the three flap pockets on the front.  Will I regret purchasing this coat in a few years?  I know that BR doesn't have the best reputation around here, but money is a little tight at the moment.  I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

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post #2 of 11
11/3/11 at 7:09pm
By the 3rd flap pocket, you mean the ticket pocket?
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post #3 of 11
11/3/11 at 7:32pm
Don't see anything wrong with the style but you might regret buying black down the road. I have a black topcoat I wear all the time but if I could go back I would get navy or charcoal for the versatility. Also, I didn't check on the link, but is it 100% wool? BR has been using synthetics more and more over the last few years.
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post #4 of 11
11/4/11 at 3:18am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the feedback.  Yes, I was talking about the ticket pocket which I didn't realize was a standard feature.  I obviously have a lot to learn.

 

The coat is 80/20 wool/nylon, which I know is not ideal.  I'm thinking that it will probably still serve me well for the price.  I'm hoping that my current grey wool overcoat can be tailored but I'm concerned that it might be too big to be realistic.  I envision using the BR coat more for the office where jackets and ties appear only for customer meetings and save my longer grey coat for when I'm wearing a jacket or suit.

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post #5 of 11
11/4/11 at 5:05am
The coat is fine; Wear it with confidence.
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post #6 of 11
11/4/11 at 6:03am
I think the BR dissatisfaction on SF is generally not of the "burn it with fire" variety. They are a perfectly reasonable budget source for a variety of staples, as long as you don't expect their products to last forever. Looks like a perfectly fine coat for the price.
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post #7 of 11
11/4/11 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 

Alright, I'll wear it out for the first time tonight.  Thanks!

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post #8 of 11
11/7/11 at 2:52am
Thread Starter 

Well, I think that da Rooster was right.  I love the jacket but as I looked through my closet, I'm thinking that charcoal is probably a better way to go.  Most of my shoes are brown and it feels weird wearing the black coat with brown shoes, especially when it comes to picking my gloves.

 

I love the coat otherwise and I wish it were available in charcoal.  Can anyone recommend something very similar in terms of cut and price?

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post #9 of 11
11/7/11 at 3:09am
Heed da Rooster on color. Black is just too severe on most people and for most occasions.

J. Crew has several very nice topcoats in a similar price range. Check out their Sutherland and Mayfair coats to get started.
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post #10 of 11
11/7/11 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 

I really like the Mayfair, especially in graphite herringbone, but I'll have to wait for it to go on sale. $400 (or even $300 with current promo) is too steep for me right now.

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post #11 of 11
11/8/11 at 3:24am

I think it looks good, but I'd prefer a navy one - but that's just me.

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