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Original poster

Please convince me to keep this coat....

42 replies

LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 10:46

Got it yesterday as a birthday present from dh, here, but I really don't think I like it.... I love the colour (it's the blue one) and the fabric is gorgeous but it's so shapeless.... When I put it on I feel like a sack of potatoes, specially if I button it up. But dh always tries so hard to get something I really like.... he even looked for my swatches from my colour analysis to see if the colour is ok, that I feel so bad to change it. I managed to say that I thought it was shapeless and did nothing for me, but he said change it if you want but I think it looks really good on you... We just have opposite tastes, we never like the same things .

Someone tell me it is nice and I should keep it?

And also, who (what shape) is it flattering for?

OP posts:
themildmanneredjanitor · 30/11/2007 10:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TrinityRhino · 30/11/2007 10:49

Oh my god
that is stunning
I love it

and I must say you are a lucky sod that your dh actuallygoes and tries to buy something for you himself especially clothes

PatsyCline · 30/11/2007 11:13

It's lovely coat, but it would do anothing for me either. I had a similar issue a few years ago with a coat DH bought me, but ended up keeping the coat and finally ebayed it unworn.

It would be a shame to have a £125 coat sitting in your wardrobe, unloved. Send it back, but buy another Boden item in similar/same colour to show your DH that you do appreciate the effort he put in. The blue cord trench is pretty fabulous and I am liking the velvet jackets.

What a lovely DH!

claraenglish · 30/11/2007 11:14

Message withdrawn

snowleopard · 30/11/2007 11:15

Is it just a bit too big? I've seen people say on here that they've bought that coat a size down and it's much better (god I read the style boards too much) - try gettiug a smaller size, then change it if it's still not good.

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 11:36

No, the size is perfect, it couldn't be smaller, or it would be too tight in the shoulders. It just flares out....
Have you noticed how none of the models ever wears it buttoned up? I don't hink it's flattering for some shapes (mine included....)

Yes, I really like the cord trench as well, and as a hint I said it to dh as browsing through the catalogue, but he said he didn't like it, it didn't look nice enough and how this one is so much nicer

The problem is I'm never brave enough to say that I don't like things and want to change them, I just feel it's cruel.... Silly, I know. But this is really getting me down, it's the 4th year in a row that I get an expensive item of clothing that I don't like and tbh it ruins my birthday. I end up pretending I like it, wearing it a few times, but really hating it and feeling annoyed that so much money has been spent and I still don't have a coat I like and have to pretend that I like one that I don't..

grrrrrr, why am I such an idiot??!!

OP posts:
Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 11:37

Yes, dh is lovely and thoughtful and I feel like an unappreciative bitch! It's my birthday (or it will be in 2 weeks) and I feel like s**t....

OP posts:
nailpolish · 30/11/2007 11:38

buy a fabulous belt. splash out on one.

nailpolish · 30/11/2007 11:39

my dh once bought me a prada skirt. it cost a fortune and he had gone to a lovely shop. the skirt was gorgeous but it looked shit on me. too long and big. dh was very upset. we took the skirt back and he helped me choose another - i then took him for a nice pub lunch and pint.

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 11:39

Maybe I'll post a pic tomorrow if I'm alone at home.

OP posts:
belcantavinissima · 30/11/2007 11:40

oh i looovvvve that coat. my friend has it in the blue and its lurrvely. i think boden sizes come up quite large so maybe swap it for one size smaller? or just dont do it up? i dont think my friend has ever done hers up (not that i have seen anyway). and also am of you having a dh that will buy you something, if i want clothes he just gives me the money to buy them and somehow its not quite the same. though have emailed him a dress from monsoon website with my size dtails lol!

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 11:42

Yes, I immediately thought about a belt, but it doesn't work... there's too much fabric. Or I would have to leave it unbuttoned and cross it like a bath robe but then it looks strange, like obviously not right, iyswim

OP posts:
Anna8888 · 30/11/2007 11:42

I have a coat in a similar shape and it needs opaque tights knee-high boots and a polo neck to make it work.

nailpolish · 30/11/2007 11:43

i think first of all you should try a smaller size. you never know. plus it makes sure your dh knows that you DO like it, you are not just using that as an excuse. iyswim

Columbia · 30/11/2007 11:48

Oh I know how you feel. My parents are always changing stuff the other gets them, but they are very open about what they think and I think sometimees that is the only way to go ...otherwise like you say, you end up with no coat and a very full wardrobe!

Is it ever the other way round, or are you brill at getting him great stuff he loves? If not then say it is both ways and agree to be honest.

Gorgeous coat btw but shape culd be unflatttering.

claraenglish · 30/11/2007 11:50

Message withdrawn

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 11:59

I think you're right Anna, it could work like that.

I don't think I'm much better at getting stuff for him, but I don't buy him clothes anymore because I realise we don't have the same taste. I try to buy fail-proof things. I know I bought a few he didn't like but he never said it and he would never have changed it. That's why I find it hard to change things.

Tbh I wish he didn't try, I wish he gave me a voucher or a cheque. Then everyone would be happy....

OP posts:
southeastastra · 30/11/2007 12:01

it's like a child's coat, and the price

SmartArse · 30/11/2007 12:02

I'm having a similar dilemma on another thread. I think I'd be honest and exchange it, because otherwise you're going to feel dowdy and lacking in confidence every time you wear it, and you probably won't end up getting much use out of it.

Says she, who is too chicken to tell her own DH in a similar situation!

Anna8888 · 30/11/2007 12:02

Why don't you go out this afternoon or tomorrow with the coat in a bag and try on some clothes to go with the coat? And then ask DH to buy you the rest of the outfit for Christmas? You'd make him feel really good (for getting you into a lovely new look)

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 12:08

lol Anna, this is already a bday + xmas present. This is all he can afford for now!

I saw your thread Smartarse, haven't posted there but prefer the black dress. Obviously can't advise on whether you tell your dh or not, i can't even decide myself, but the more generous and thoughtful they are the harder it is, isn't it?

OP posts:
claraenglish · 30/11/2007 12:08

Message withdrawn

Anna8888 · 30/11/2007 12:11

Sorry .

Maybe your parents / in-laws might want to buy you clothes for Christmas?

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 30/11/2007 12:22

Oh don't apologise , I feel very fortunate as it is and will get money as presents from parents and in-laws so will be able to buy clothes if I want to. But I think Clara might be right it won't be worn enough...

On a more practical note.... I think dh threw away the paper / receipt and box it came with would it be a problem for exchanging.... Maybe that will sort it!

OP posts:
ninedragons · 30/11/2007 12:56

Put it to him in the context that it's normal enough to buy things for yourself from catalogues, and when they arrive they don't look right or just don't suit you like you thought they would. Everyone does it and buying for someone else adds a whole extra degree of difficulty.

He did well with the sentiment and with the colour, but in real life it just doesn't work on your shape. You could easily have made the same mistake for yourself, so it doesn't reflect badly on his taste at all.