Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

How to Pick a Winter Coat, Downeast Basics Giveaway

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Your outerwear is the first impression you arrive with and the last impression you leave with. Tatty pickpocket, forlorn baglady, overstuffed Michelin man….there are many outerwear guises to evaluate, but below is a guide to picking a CE approved winter coat.

::phase first::set a budget
Illustration of this principle will be presented through a story problem:

If Calgary stationed Clementine procures a car coat post Christmas for $139.95 (retail $268) and wears it through the end of February as well as the two subsequent 4 month winters after that, what is her cost per fabulous wear?

Meanwhile, if San Diego Stella purchases a full priced bundler after Halloween for $69.95 and wears it through the end of March before discarding based on prevalent pilling? What is her cost per economical wear?

Answer: Stella and Clementine both average a $.47 cost per wear. The value is equivalent.

When determining a budget, factor your climate, replacement window, and cozy soled needs. If you live in a land of bitter frigidity and rarely make it out to the retail wonderland. It makes sense to invest more now to ensure your tail isn’t rosy later. If however, your environment never falls below freezing and you prefer not to visit a dry cleaner, indulge in disposable clothing. Either way, fail not to purchase prudently.

::phase first::city chic or country casual
Coating distressed denim and trainers in calf-skimming cashmere is no less tacky than the shabby parka + pencil skirt combo. Examine your average uniform and find a topper to match. If your double life requires it, invest in both a posh and sporty option to avoid outerwear incongruity.

::phase third::solid vs. print
If your coat is chauffeured from home to abroad in a long, shiny black car, you can safely select a winter white wrap. For if your umbrella doesn’t protect it your extensive dry cleaning bill will.

However, for the average plebeian, a darker hue is a less dangerous alternative. While black and gray are basics for good reason, feel free to experiment with patterns or statement hues which will hide imperfections without hiding your dynamism.

::phase third::size & fit
When coat shopping, wear or bring your heaviest imaginable layer. Then stretch your arms out to the side and evaluate whether the shoulder seam matches up with the underlying body part.

Next, stretch your arms out in front of you with your little hands clutched into fists. While you obviously don’t want others to mock your fighting stance based on prematurely ending sleeve lengths, you also don’t want jack frost nipping your wrists while you’re sweeping slush from your windshield or removing roof lining Christmas lights.

In summary, fear not a fuller size to accommodate an extra layer or elegantly elongated arm length.


::phase fourth and final::accessories
Don’t forget to add on your scarf, mittens, and hat. They’re not only fashionable, they’re also functional. Purple ears, fingers and clavicles are so last season.

You can win your own DownEast Basic Muffler too my dear, here’s how:

Either: Go to DownEast Basics, inspect their outerwear selection, and leave a comment detailing the coat that cozies your soul.

And/Or: Become a DownEast Basics fan on facebook and leave a confirming comment on this Cardigan Empire post.

The winner of the Outerwear Giveaway will be selected on Friday, December 18th. The winner gets to select a DownEast Basic Coat in her style and size of choice, or she can opt for the outerwear accessories set, including the Rosette scarf, glove, and hat.

Feed me fashionably fresh

Comments

  1. I love the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum!
    I also love their use of alliteration in the name 🙂

  3. The timeless trench coat is perfectly frilly.

  6. Living in Florida, we don’t get to wear coats that often. I love all of them but would use the Bleaker Street Blazer the most.

  7. Classic Cord Coat!

    (Your writing is delicious!)

  8. I want that class cord in plum because i think Im too jaundice to wear the citrus. If I dont win it hear im buying it. HEART ME!!!

  10. I love the classic cord coat, and you have to love that green!

  11. Love love love the classic cord coat in Italian Plum. So beautiful and the color is so rich!

  12. I am loving the timeless trench (BIG fan of ruffles), followed closely by the Gallery coat.

  13. Gina McGary
    I’m a fan on facebook
    gigimcgaryatyahoodotcom

  14. Gina McGary
    I’m loving the timeless trench coat.
    gigimcgaryatyahoodotcom

  15. Ooh, I love the Classic Cord Coat in plum! I’ve been wanting a coat of that length, style and color and haven’t been able to find one!

  16. I love the Classic Cord Coat! Beautiful and classic.

  18. Which coat do I love? It’s so hard to choose and a toss-up between the classic cord coat and the timeless trench. Maybe if I win, I will just have to buy the other one!

  19. I absolutely love the classic cord coat in Italian plum. Beautiful. Thanks for the chance!

  20. I want, want the classic cord coat in plum

  21. I’m a fb fan!

  22. The Bleaker Street Blazer is so cute! I love it.

  23. I am now a fan. If you only knew how in love I am with outerwear…you’d choose me!

  24. The Timeless Trench Coat in black is perfect!

  25. I love the Timeless trench – beautiful ruffles. Oh, and as a Calgarian, I’m sorry to say that we wear our winter coats for more than 4 months of the year 🙁 So they need to be cute to get us through! 🙂

  26. I choose the classic cord in Citrus Grey.

  27. the classic cord…and although i’d love the citrus—i think i’d be more at home in the plum! but i LOVE the accessories.

  28. Like the cut above coat in the deep berry. Am also a fan on facebook!

  31. I’d have to go with the Classic Cord Coat, probably in Citrus Grey… so fun!

  34. Brittany Sheets:I love the classic cord coat-in plum. SO CUTE!

  35. The Timeless Trench Coat is SO me…ruffles and all!

    CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

  36. I am a Facebook Fan! {Rob n’ Ki Smith}

    CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

  38. I adore the Classic Cord Coat in either color! Fabulous!

  39. Brookeh Call: Facebook fan

  41. I love the gallery coat. I love the colors and the style of the coat. It would be so fun to have and it would making going outside so invigorating.

  44. I love the Classic Cord Coat in citrus grey!
    The accessories set is also gorgeous, I would have a tough decision if I was the winner!!
    annemolino at hotmail dot com

  46. OOOOOOhhhh me oh my I love the Classic Cord Coat but I love both colors it comes in, I could never decide!! ALSO, CUTE dresses!

  47. I think the Timeless Tench Coat in black is perfect. Because every girl needs a sassy trench to complete her wardrobe.

  49. mmm, the Classic Cord Coat in Citrus. I LOVE it! {Such a cheeky lining too!}

  51. I can’t believe I wasn’t a fan on Facebook before, but I am now! I saw that purple/lime coat in the catalogue I receive and I love it!

  53. I would feel so beautiful in the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum. 🙂

  54. I am a fan of downeast outfitters on facebook

  55. I love love love the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum! Gotta have it! 🙂

  56. WOW! That classic cord coat in green with the zebra lining is fabulous!

  57. I am a fan on facebook. Katie Barnes Lorsch.

  58. I love the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum!!! Thanks
    Emily Huber

  59. Like so many before me, I love the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum. Simply delicious!

  60. I am in search of the perfect coat and having so much trouble! But I am LOVING the classic cord in citrus grey!

  61. What to choose…I’m going for the scarf, hat and gloves! Love them!

  62. I love the Timeless Trench!

  64. Oh, you don’t know how much I need this! We moved to Texas from Louisiana and I didn’t think I would need a winter coat. I didn’t buy one last December because I was pregnant and didn’t want to purchase a huge coat that I wouldn’t wear again. Here it is winter again and I still haven’t had time to get one yet since I’ve been so busy with the kids. It’s supposed to be super cold here next week too! A cover up would be nice. I love the timeless trench coat!

    Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

  65. Love the Classic Cord – and the timeless trench!

    I am a San Diego Stella – formerly a Salt Lake Kate — and it is so much fun to be able to wear any sort of coat here. It is not cold compared to Utah standards, so even if I bundle up, I can still wear a skirt comfortably. Everything is just for accessorizing

  66. I’m a fan on facebook. I love downeast!

  67. I love the citrus green color of the Classic Cord coat…but I think I’d prefer the accessories set b/c I’ve already invested in my winter coat this season! 🙂

  69. I love the classic cord coat in in Citrus Grey. Are there any rules for length of coats? I am 5’2″ and don’t want to look ridiculous because I bought the wrong length for my size.

  70. I am having a hard time deciding. I am pretty in love with all of them, though, The Classic Cord Coat in Citrus Grey and the Timeless Trench in Limestone are really calling my name.

  71. It’s hard to choose! I love the detail on the Timeless Trench Coat (in limestone so you can see the fun detail). I also love the Classic Cord Trench because it is a classic coat and I especially love it in the Italian Plum color.

    I love this blog!

  72. oh, a timeless trench is what i need to fill the gap in my outerwear wardrobe. i always end up without the appropriate topper when spring begins to arrive or when fall begins to come –i have to resort to random sweaters and too-sporty light jackets. no good!

  75. The timeless trench
    WANT IT
    LOVE IT
    NEED IE…

  76. Lovin’ the Classic Cord in purple and the purple Rosette Scarf set!

  80. I really like the A Cut Above Coat in deep berry. So pretty!!

  83. Classic Cord coat in the lovely shade of green, please.

  85. I love the plum Classic Cord Coat.

  86. hello i love the classic cord coat in green! that is my favorite color at the moment

  87. Love Love Love (did I say Love, the timeless Trench coat in black! everyone needs the perfect black coat right? and this is an awesome mix of vintage and flirty! I love it!

  90. I love the Timeless Trench Coat in black. It cozies my soul!

  91. Ohh that trench! But where did you get your scarf? I am guessing Anthropologie. I am wondering how terrible it would look if I tried to make one myself . . .

  92. The timeless trench coat is DARLING.

    Happy Holidays!

  93. The Timeless trench Coat!!! it is so perfect for anything.

  95. I’m now a fan… the 4,612th 🙂 I’ve been looking for just the right every day coat for years!

  99. I hope I win! I am currently sporting the shabby parka with everything… It is the only thing warm enough this far north. I love the Classic cord coat, though I fear It won’t be warm enough.

  100. good heavens I love that timeless trench in black! Lust!

  101. I would love the purple rosette hat, gloves, scarf set!

  103. I would pick the classic cord coat in plum… so pretty!

  104. Your blog is inspiring and has helped me be able to dive into my own sense of style! I am grateful I found your blog. I absolutely love all of the coats and accessories. I would be honored to be an owner of any of them!! Regardless, I am grateful you update your blog everyday! Thanks!! 🙂 Lisa G.

  105. I love your scarf in the first photo Reachel. May I ask where it’s from? It’s very pretty.

  107. I love the classic cord coat in purple!

  108. I like the classic cord coat in citrus grey.

  109. I love the timeless trench. Perfect for Florida. All the frills make me happy.

  110. This comment has been removed by the author.

  111. must. have. timeless trench….. my favorite skirt is from downeast basics- so cute!

  112. I love all the coats here, but what’s your solution for a Minnesota girl? I could only wear most of these for a few weeks in fall and spring. Is there an alternative to the Michelin man for someone in below-zero weather?

    (By the way, I’m the wife of Andrew’s cousin, David Archibald.)

  113. I am definitely for the Gallery Coat in black and cream Oooooh!

  115. I love the Classic Cord Coat!

  117. Fanning on Facebook!!! 😀 CUTE coats!!! Thanks for all the great tips!

  120. I am now a fan on facebook, “Affordable & Fashionable”…music to my thrifty ears! Reachel, you look absolutely fabulous in this post BTW!

  122. I’m digging the classic cord in citrus grey, lovely.

  125. i like the classic cord coat best!

  127. I’m a fan on facebook, and I love the classic cord coat in the green! so cute!

  128. i have love for the classic cord AND the timeless trench coat!! thanks for the introduction to downeast basics! and, reachel, your scarf is just beautiful!=)

  130. I am in LOVE with the classic cord coat in plum!

  132. The classic Cord Coat in plum is delish!

  133. I am a fan! Frigid utah is where I live! I would love a new coat to freeze in on my way to school! 🙂

  134. The timeless trench is adorable! I love the ruffles!

  136. Oh, MY. The classic cord coat is the one for me.

  137. I like the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum the best.

    kristen(dot)mason(at)gmail(dot)com

  138. I’m a fan of DEB on facebook!

    kristen(dot)mason(at)gmail(dot)com

  139. I love the classic cord coat in green. very cute.

  142. I’m a fan on facebook and not only do I love the DownEast coats, I love your advice! (Suck up enough?-I really did like your advice!)

  143. I love the Classic Cord Coat in Citrus Grey (AKA Green). So cute!

  145. I am a fan of Downeast Basics on facebook.

  148. I love the timeless trench coat…so cute with ruffled edges!

  149. I am also now a facebook fan!

  150. Classic Cord Coat in Plum-I’ve been itching for another winter coat.

  152. I love the classic cord coat, emphasis on “classic.”

  153. The Timeless Trench Coat in black makes my heart go pitter-pat!

  154. ohh these are all adorable. and since i live in switzerland outerwear is a must for me for many months of the year!!

  155. I love the Timeless Trench Coat because of the cute ruffles, but mostly because you can wear it when you are pregnant too! Evening though it’s not a maternity coat, the belt is in the right spot for the expecting mother. LOVE IT and love your advice on fashion.

  156. I’m also one of the many fans of the Classic Cord Coat in Italian plum. I love it and it would be perfect to look presentable with my other 18 layers in this Utah winter. Thanks!

  157. I like the classic cord coat since I need a jacket that could be “dressed down”. I like it in the italian plum~

    ~Paula

  159. Ok, now I’m a fan. Bring it on!

  160. I´m a fan on Facebook! Love the coats and can´t make up my mind!

  161. Ahhh, a chance to update my coat which is about 10 seasons past its prime.

    How smart a plum cord coat would be!

  162. Great post with perfect timing! I’m in the need for a new winter coat. Definitely the Classic Cord Coat in green! Sooooo cute! Thanks for the awesome giveaway :o)

  163. I really like the classic cord coat, I live in an area where like today it is litteraly 1 degree. Although I love the lime green (citris) the plum would suit my coloring better.
    Thanks!

  165. I Looooove the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum, and it looks like I am not the only one! 😉

  166. I am a fan of Reachel

    I am a fan of Cardigan Empire

    and now . . .

    I am a fan of DB on FB!

    Thanks Reach!

  167. I am in LOVE with the green coat and zebra underneath…. favorite by far!!

  168. I am in love with that green classic cord coat!

  169. I just love the classic cord coat! It looks like something I would love to wear every day!

  170. definately the trench! oh the frilly ruffle edge! i love.

  171. I love the plum Classic Cord Coat! And I’m a fan on facebook!

  172. Maybe I was supposed to leave a second and separate comment about being a fan on facebook. Well here it is.

  174. I love the plum classic cord coat! (as well as the outfit under it!!)

  175. I think the Classic Cord Coat is the sweetest! Certainly cozy to wear with bright tights and a cute dress. Perfect for winter style! Thanks gor a really great giveaway! lazergir1{at}hotmail{dot}com

  176. Gotta join the masses and say the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum. Gorgeous.

  177. raechel! I am just so in love with your hair. so cute in the top photo!

    great post about coats, can’t agree more about investing for the long haul. Where we live the coat is worn through rain and snow oct-april! I always go to anthro for one that is as cute as an outfit because sometimes I don’t take it off for the whole day!

  178. I love the Classic Cord Coat in plum!

  179. I love the classic cord coat!

  180. Sign me up please! I love DownEast Basics

  183. I love, love, love the classic cord coat.

  184. I love the timeless trench! I’m also a fb fan 😉

  185. I’ve made the mistake of not putting my arms out & up while outerwear shopping…never again. I love the Classic Cord Coat in citrus grey, very snazzy. Thanks for the tips.

  186. Timeless trench is beautiful. 🙂

  189. Fan of Downeast on FB (Erica Wallace Zimmerman)

  190. My favorite is the Gallery Coat in purple and black. With two small children, the length is perfect and the print hides anything small hands transfer to my coat.

  191. Oh my, oh my! What a great give away. I so need a new coat. I love the Classic Cord Coat in the Citrus Grey. My husband loves green and I would look great in that coat!

  193. Melissa Stringham: I have been eying the plum colored rosette accessories for awhile now.

  194. I love the classic cord coat in plum!! so so cute!

  196. Hello Cardigan Empire! I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and I’m in love! You are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for existing. I am now a fan of DownEast on FB, so please enter me in your contest. The Citris Grey Classic Cord is what it’s all about 🙂

    -Stacy
    facebook.com/stacyharrop

  197. I like the Classic Cord Coat AND I am a Downeast Basics fan on Facebook AND December 18th is my 27th birthday!

  198. I love the classic cord coat!!

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  199. I love the Classic Cord! Not to warm for our Arizona winters either! 🙂

  200. Classic cord coat is my personal favourite:D

  203. I love the classic cord coat in italian plum!

    Emily Horton

  205. I like the “a cut above coat” in plum.

  206. I too like the Classic Cord Coat. However, I am an hourglass… Can I wear it? Do I need a more “open” neckline?

  207. Timeless Trench in black is pretty.

  209. um, the classic cord coat just changed my life 🙂 it is dreamy!

    xo, em

  210. Zebra print lining!!! Are you kidding me!? Love the green-gray classic cord. But also, the ruffly gray one.

  211. Oh how timely…. I’m in dire need of new, wool winter coat.

    I live in Denver – which is chillier than usual this year – and my one dress coat is of the pilling, disposable variety – three years old. I feel like I’m wearing a ratty old bath towel!

    Should I win, I will scour the Downeast Basics provisions for the best most beautiful coat for me!
    Thanks!

  212. Oh… and I just became a fan!

  216. I think I like the classic cord in Italian plum. Will it work with my body type?

  219. Timeless Trench? Yes, please!

  221. I’m lovin’ the classic cord coat in Italian Plum. Beautiful color and crisp style!

  222. I love this coat… I have a thing for coats and have loved this one…

  224. I’m a FB fan and I would love a Classic cord coat.

  226. It looks like I’m with the majority here on wanting the classic cord coat. I was just shopping the other night and saw this coat in the store, tried it on and everything! I love it!

    acegbert(at)gmail(dot)com

  228. The classic cord cord is my favorite, and the Italian Plum is gorgeous!

  231. Just became a fan on facebook. Would love a new coat seeing as how it is freezing in southern Illinois where I live right now. Please???

  232. I love the Classic Cord Coat in green. I need a bright color during our l-o-n-g New England winter (and spring)!

  233. I’m a fan and the timeless trench is the best!

  236. This comment has been removed by the author.

  237. The Classic Cord in Citrus Grey or Italian Plum would suit me just fine!

  240. I pine for the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum.

  241. The Classic Cord coat is very trendy looking but the Gallery Coat has a little sass to it…which I like! Either one would be fitting! 🙂

  243. I am a fan on Facebook and I love your cord coat in Plum 🙂

  245. I am obsessed with the classic cord!! It is so simple and has great lines!

  247. OH LA LA! I love the trench with a girly touch;)

  248. I’ve got my eye on the darling brown belted jacket, part of the holiday collection!!

  249. Actually Scott’s daughter said that!! Ha ha.

  250. This comment has been removed by the author.

  251. This comment has been removed by the author.

  252. I’m a fan on facebook

    summerflood (at) mac.com

  253. I love the Timeless Trench Coat!

    summerflood (at) mac.com

  254. I love the coats this year they a so cute, I am totally a fan on facebook.

  255. ooo! i am on the east coast and desperately need a new coat! i would use the classic cord in italian plum every single day for months and months and months. its cold out here!

  257. I like the classic cord coat the most, but I would like the hat, scarf, and gloves better, living in AZ I don’t wear coats too often, but love dressing up in accessories!

  259. If I could choose any, I’d want the gallery coat but probably be practical and choose the classic cord coat in Italian Plum. Thanks for the chance!

  261. I really love the Classic Cord Coat! Its perfect for pairing with dressy outfits! The plum color is just gorgeous.

  262. I am a fan of DownEast on Facebook! (arielle z)

  265. The Classic Cord Coat in Citrus Gray, all the way!

  266. The Timeless Trench! I really want that!

  268. I love the classic cord coat!

  270. I am a fan on Facebook!

  272. I am a fan of the classic cord coat! 🙂

  273. Love, love, love the classic cord coat. Prefect for everyday or dressy!
    Love Downeast Basics.

  274. I love the timeless trench in Black. I have even tried it on and love the way it feels. Oh, and I can’t forget those ruffles.

  276. I love the Classic Cord Coat!

  277. Downeast is one of my fave’s on FB

  278. I love the Classic Cord coat. I am a fan on Facebook and love Downeast Basics clothes!!!

  283. This comment has been removed by the author.

  284. Oh and I love the classic cord coat in the green color (citrus grey) Love it!!

  285. I love the Classic Cord Coat!

  288. I love the timeless trench!

  289. I am already a DownEast fan on facebook. Thanks for the giveaway!

  290. the timeless trench cozies my soul.

  293. I love the classic cord coat. I might even be bold and get it in green!

  295. I am in love with the Timeless Trench in Limestone. I am in need of a new trench, mine is 8 years old and very small and out of style. I love the ruffles on this trench, so timeless

  296. I love the Classic Cord Coat! Not too dressy, not too casual…just right for this stay-at-home mom!

  298. I really love the Timeless trench coat. Oh my the ruffles do my heart good! So feminine, and lovely, and in black, elegant without over doing it.

  302. The timeless trench coat is great!

  303. I love the Classic Cord Coat. Very fun with perfect colors and like nothing I already own!

  304. I’m a DownEast Basic fan on facebook. 🙂

  305. I am diggin’ the gallery coat!!! Love, love, love it!!! I am also a fan on FB!! Double points!

  306. I love the timeless trech coat in the limestone. So cute!

  307. I am a fan on facebook. I love the timeless trech coat in the limestone. So cute!

  308. Love the green cord coat. I’d really like to make it mine.

  309. LOVE the Classic Cord Coat in Citrus!!

  310. The Cut Above coat in Deep Berry would keep me very toasty!

  311. I am a Downeast Basics fan on Facebook!

  313. Love that classic cord coat..I’d want the green to go with my black and white polka dot rain boots 🙂

  314. What a great guide to picking a coat 🙂 And I love the classic cord coat in plum!! So pretty!

    kimkchang at gmail dot com

  315. The classic cord coat! The color would be hard to choose. Both are gorgeous!

  316. how do we find out who won?