OverDressed for Life

Custom-made coat by Theresa LaQuey.

Ta da … finally I present my fabulous custom-made 1920s inspired coat, constructed and sewn by Oakland designer Theresa LaQuey.

This project started last Christmas when my mother suggested that I have a coat made and use for the trim my vintage stole made of  faux broadtail. Stiff and awkward, I had never used the stole. So I figured what a great new life for a beautiful piece of faux fur.

I knew I wanted a 1920s silhouette and looked at period costume books by John Peacock. I met with Theresa in January and as she specializes in vintage clothing design, she understood what I was going for. The whole project took six months but well worth the wait. Finding the right fabric was a slow process and I made several trips to Stonemountain and Daughter in Berkeley while Theresa first constructed the coat in muslin. Eventually, I found this lovely wool tweed made in Italy. The black and grey fabric brings out the subtle texture in the broadtail.

Lining fabric in a silk blend.

The coat lining was even more tricky, as I wanted something kind of showy but nothing that would clash with the tweed. Again I headed to Stonemountain and Daughter and found this crescent moon print in a silk blend. Given that the crescent is a favorite motif of mine, I was over the moon (so to speak). The coat has a one button closure for which I chose a carved glass button from Czechoslovakia.

I couldn’t be happier. My coat  fits like a glove and is both elegant and practical. I particularly like the sharp line of  the trim at the neck, which highlights my stacked bob and makes me feel tres chic. Initially for something different, we considered putting the broadtail  just below the elbow rather than at the cuff but I concluded that look would work better on a taller woman.

What I love most about this coat is there isn’t another one like it. It is unique, beautifully made and no brand designer can top it. Now that the autumn chill has arrived, my new acquisition will not remain in the closet waiting for special occasions – it’s going to hit the town.