Monday, November 10

Long Steampunky Coats

The weather is getting cold--well, as cold as it ever gets out here on Monterey Bay.  But cold enough that I realize I need a proper winter coat.  I've been making do with thinner coats, and that's been fine overall, but I either have to layer up underneath or I don't linger outside.  So I've started to look and see what is currently available out there that might be warm enough and add a new element of everyday Steampunk to my wardrobe.

Years ago now I saw and tried on this coat in the Free People store in San Jose:





It was so pretty, so neo-Victorian--and more $ than I am used to spending. But now, after looking for several years for something similar. . . I'm kinda kicking myself that I did not get it.  A combination birthday and Christmas present.  I could have been enjoying it all these years.  Sigh. Well, I've looked on Ebay ever since then, seeing if that coat will come up at a good price.  It did once, in my size, shortly after I had seen it in the store, but the price was still really high, so I didn't jump on it. 

So, now I'm looking for what else is out there that would keep me nice and warm this winter while appeasing my inner Steampunk. Here's some of what I found today with some looking on Ebay:



Long velvet coat by Marvin Richards 

This one might be a little too much on the Goth side for me, and I'm not sure it is actually all that warm. But so pretty!



Same with this one--beautiful coat, but not sure how warm.



A wool coat--maybe even a nice quality wool blend--would be ideal. This is a lovely option.




This and the next two coats are all gorgeous designs--but also smack of cheap Chinese labor, and I would worry about the workmanship.  See the slightly skewed buttons on the coat?  They were like that in all the photos of different coats, all slightly off with one another.  Yes, I know the high-name brands probably have their clothes made in the very same factories--a popular name (Free People, I'm looking at you) is not a guarantee of good workmanship.  But at least when there is a well-known company putting its name on something there is usually much higher quality control.  That's why I look at these inexpensive but highly fashionable items and admire the design--and then just keep on scrolling.








This coat is not heavy enough for me, but it looks like it is constructed like a real coat--and looks like very nice workmanship.  Beautifully and effortlessly Steampunk.



Same with this one--a beautiful, warm coat.  A little too "perky" for what I envision of Steampunk, but definitely compatible with the themes. 



Pretty, but again, not sure how warm.




Pretty, and not at all warm looking. But deliciously fun!



This one looks warm and practical. I would prefer a long coat, but this one is a possiblity. 

A pretty good start. If anyone knows of some good long Steampunky coats I should look at to consider, please share links in the comments.


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