THE CITIZEN INDEX

Friday, February 8, 2013

Product Review:The Tommy Hilfiger Trench


Perfect timing, Tommy Hilfiger. My  gorgeous vintage and thrifted winter coat was on its last legs, and my search for its successor hadn't been found. Qualities I was on the hunt for, in a replacement Fall/Winter coat were the following:
  • Well made
  • Classic yet quirky
  • Flattering and well fitting
  • Modest and winter ready
  • Under $150
I wanted a coat classic, a little on the dark side, and yet funky. Would a contemporary coat be able to fill my outerwear needs? Oh yeah, did I mention needing the budget friendly part? As in the past, there are a couple of department stores that I go to, when I need something that I can't source from a thrift store. Macy's is one of those places.



When I saw this gorgeous trenchcoat in a beautiful Black Watch tartan, I knew I  had struck the plaid pay-dirt. Originally priced at $198.00, this wool-blend coat is currently marked down to $49.62.  It's a wool-blend, fully lined traditionally styled winter ready jacket, with plenty of details to keep my interest. In fact, the details impressed me quite a bit-
  • Notched lapel
  • Double-breasted button closure
  • Long sleeves with button tabs
  • Storm flap at chest
  • Belt loops with belt
  • Fully Lined
  • Heavyweight
Black Watch Me Now: Bella is Sporting a Contemporary, Brand New Wool-Blend Coat

The coat is well constructed, and the added details of brass grommets, button tabs, the signature striped piping on the lining, and the fit really wowed me. The fit, for some reason is generous without being too big. The belt, stylishly over-long, so when cinched, it makes my waist appear slimmer. Yeah, WOW. 

Every time I've left the house wearing this coat, I'd received a compliment, in fact many compliments. At the coffee shop. At the 7-11. At the Goodwill. On the street. "Well now, don't you look adorable," was volunteered at me in passing, by the lovely walker of a Welsh Corgi.  I was told at the Goodwill checkout that I "looked very nice today, by the way." And while part of the credit, according to the cashier, went to my "radiant smile and positive attitude" there's a part of me that KNOWS the notice was triggered by my smart looking Tommy Hilfiger wool-blend plaid coat

On the Look-out: Black Watch Plaid Tartan in a Classic Style + Edgy Details by Tommy Hilfiger

Plus: Great length. Not too long, not too short. It covers the bum, but is short enough to feel flirty. The length works just as well with dresses as it does with pants. 

Plus: Great construction. The coat is very well made- and could possibly last for years. 

Plus: Fantastic cut. Fashionable yet traditional, which is my favorite kind of styling. 

Non-plus: The so-so fabric quality. The wool-poly blend feels just ok to me; after all, I've been sporting vintage 2-ply cashmere, 40s era wool gabardines (wears like iron,) satiny silks, whisper-soft wools and furs for a while now.  This gal is spoiled by her secondhand sourced high quality. The wool-blend left me a little nonplussed, and the lining feels, well, a bit  chintzy. I much prefer the vintage value of a thick silk satin, a crepe de chine, and so forth, culled from a lifetime of Goodwill escapades. 

The verdict? For a new coat in my budget range, this Tommy Hilfiger find was a good deal. Even at the cough-cough full price, I would've felt like I got my modern money's worth. The jacket fit the bill; I'm very happy with its fit, and will most likely wear it, hopefully for many more Falls and Winters. 

Will it keep me from "shopping secondhand first"? Nope. Not on your life. But it's good to know when I need a specific something right quick, I can count on Macy's to offer me a contemporary yet affordable alternative. 

Disclosure: I received this product courtesy of GigaSavvy for the purpose of this review.

43 comments:

That's Not My Age said...

I'm not surprised you've received compliments, that's such a brilliant coat, you look stunning - and what a bargain!

Forest City Fashionista said...

I love a blackwatch plaid, and the shape is incredibly flattering, so it gets two thumbs up from me. I know what you mean about the quality of the fabrics of modern coats - when you're used to vintage, and how durable and well made they were, so many of the coats these days feel cheap, even if they aren't.

vintage honeybee said...

Sometimes you have to invest in important pieces and its obvious this was a keeper.

Vintagehoneybee.blogspot. com

Silhouette de Femme said...

Great review & this looks like it will last you a long time. I like the colours & style too.
Denise

Suzanne said...

I LOVE that coat!!! It'll never go out of style and it fits you like a dream.

bisous
Suzanne
http://bisous.typepad.com/bisous/

Jenmarie said...

This coat is seriously gorgeous on you!

Anonymous said...

I do check Macy's now and then too. Especially if it's something I've looked for in thrift stores. Love that coat on you!

Becky said...

You look good in that coat!

Joanna said...

Wow, what a great deal! I would have grabbed that one too:) It looks great on you. I'm thinking you have scottish blood:) Next up a kilt:) I love the tartan print. You can think of it as your fraction of the cost Steve McQueen coat!

http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/

thorne garnet said...

$50? Good price, sometimes you just have to buy new.

Unknown said...

Bella! You look absolutely beautiful in that coat! It just really suits you! I think it also goes to show how much of a mark up really goes on in retail. I mean a $250 coat marked down to $50 and it's still winter? I just got a pair of boots off of Nine West site that were originally $250 and were marked down to $60! HELLLLOOOOO! I snatched those bad boys up! I also think that some very thoughtful retail purchases can help make our thrifted finds look high dollar. Oh! And also, your figure looks absolutely fabulous in that....it plays to your hourglass shape! Hugs to you my friend!! Serene

Unknown said...

Excellent deal. You did much better than the post I did on my Guess coat that I got from Macy's. I paid under $100 for a coat that was selling for $245.

http://www.pear-shaped-gal.com/2013/01/guess-winter-coat.html

Monica.

Meghan Edge said...

WANT. :-)

And the shoulder flap detail- I love that. But I bet you knew I would. You look fantastic- this coat is a perfect mix of tough and classic.

Beryl said...

You look great in that coat. Who or what is GigaSavvy?

citizen rosebud said...

Beryl, gigisavvy is a PR company connecting brands with bloggers. Feel free to click the embedded link!

Adrienne Shubin said...

Love this coat, Bella! I am off to look for one for myself.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, this is timely for me, too. I've been wanting a new coat with some panache, but will still look good with jeans. This kind of fits the bill - great pattern, great style, and you got an amazing price! It looks great on you!

Sheila said...

That is a beautiful coat and it looks amazing on you, Bella! I hear you on the cheap fabrics, though - man, they just do not make them like they used to. However, it's got a wonderful cut, so I'd be inclined to forgive the fabric in favour of the fit. Lovely!

Lisa said...

Bella...the coat does look really gorgeous on you.

Sara Kristiina said...

Perfect colour, I love the coat! looks great on you !:)

Unknown said...

A perfect coat is a must have even if you have to shop retail, just like shoes i think .

Miss Simmonds Says said...

Nice jacket, really nice. It looks fantastic on you too. Such great detailing and what a bargain xxxx

Willowie said...

Though its a new piece, the coat looks very vintage on you. Its beautiful!
Willow

Unknown said...

That is a fabulous find. I love green and blue plaid. What a great piece for your wardrobe.

Shybiker said...

Gorgeous plaid. The coat looks great on you; no wonder it gets compliments.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous. I love the pattern and the detailing, especially at the back. I'm also envious that it's trench season where you are! Xo

Anonymous said...

I had a jumper dress in that same tartan plaid when I was a kid. It's classic, timeless, and the palette suits your coloring very well. I think the coat is cut nicely and for the price I would've bought it, too!

Spashionista (Alicia)

The Dainty Dolls House said...

It's a stunning coat and the tartan is so lovely. I think it suits you so well, gorgeous!! I hope it will last you for a very long time, I love when items last for years and years, makes them more worth the price!! Have a great weekend x

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

I love this classic, traditional look...the plaid just says HAPPY!! I also have found some really great prices at Macy's off season sales!

The Style Crone said...

You always look amazing in plaid, as though it were made for you. But I do agree that your radiant smile and positive attitude make any an ensemble shine!

Vix said...

Goodness me, if I was a rich girl and was able to buy you a present that's exactly what I'd chose, I can't think of a more Bella-like garment! You look fanastic!
That mac would be more expensive in one of our posher charity shops than the price you paid for it new! x

ZalinaW said...

Love, love the jacket.

Anonymous said...

Oh my what a stunning coat! Be still my Scottish tartan loving heart!!! I may need to go by Macy's

GreenBean said...

It is a really classy, classic coat. And I'm not usually a huge fan of Tommy Hilfigger. I have a classic blackwatch plaid Pendleton skirt, which I love. It's probably from the fifties and still in style!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

I'm glad you are the reviewer. I trust your comments and I do think you look great!! It's a sophisticated look, a Sunday go to Meeting Bella, but beautifully you.

Ofelia said...

The coat fits so well; no wonder your got compliments on it. I also think that the color is a happy one and the shape and design is very appealing.

mispapelicos said...

Perfect coat, and wonderful you, my dear Bella.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Luna Tiger said...

I love the tartan in those colors ! It's classical and punk in the same time !
http://selenite.weebly.com

GeeGee said...

Very good choice! Perfect wintercoat is very important, as most of us wear it each winterday during winter. I guess in Seattle it means more than several days. And should not be forgot, that cold days returns next year, too :)
xoxo

Monsterchen said...

what a beautiful trench coat, tartan is my favorite for winter and autumn, it looks so absolutely stunning on you and it is beautiful tailored. one of a kind piece!
kiss,mary
http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

Gabriala Brown said...

It's fantastic Bella Q! Plaid pay dirt... crack up! xoxo

Highland Fashionista said...

That coat is THE BUSINESS. Looks perfect on you...good choice.

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

I hope you know that peeps owned by Welsh Corgis, are like, The Best :P