Not to be confused with a grandmother’s couch, my brocade coat was a “new to me” pre-loved purchase I made about a year ago. Whether it’s a dusted off treasure from years past, or it’s an item that was bought from a thrift store, or perhaps a well-worn favorite that’s been given new life, that fashion find is covered under the Reclaim-Recycle-Reuse theme.
This beauty came to me by way of Buffalo Exchange, a chain of stores that buys, sells, and trades new and recycled clothing. It was one of those items that practically jumped out to me from the rack. By C·M·C, also known as Color Me Cotton, this coat is typical of the relaxed and fluid designs by this manufacturer. In researching the label, I’ve found that it’s known for natural fibers and the blending of both American and European influences in its fashions. Additionally, C·M·C is a USA-based company and specifically located in southern California.
The fabric has heft but the coat is not bulky. I wore it as a completer piece while I was still working as well as an overcoat with a sweater for an evening out. As for the rest of the outfit, my cowl-neck sweater is also a pre-loved item that I bought at a local thrift store back in September. My pants, which I chose because they too resemble a grandmother’s couch, are a recent retail clearance purchase that wound up costing me about $8.
I revamped a couple of details of this coat to better suit it to me. First, I removed a 6″-wide band that had been located on the back at waist level. In my opinion, the band created a horizontal line that didn’t seem very flattering. Sorry, no photos with it still in place. The other change I made was to overlap the front to reduce some of the boxiness around the middle. I repositioned the button a few inches to the left and added an additional decorative button with a snap underneath on the other side. The photos above show the before and after of this change.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week is Mireille. She is the creative force behind the blog Chez Mireille where she writes about her family’s adventures and tips to make those adventures possible as well as her tips for dressing on a budget.
Whether a previous owner has done a closet purge or her tastes have changed, I’m happy to give well-deserving beauties a new home. What’s your opinion on thrift store and resell shopping? Are you a seasoned thrifter? Or does the idea of wearing someone else’s old clothes give you the heebie-jeebies? Is it just a passing trend for those who can afford more or is it a smart way to live “greener” and reduce one’s carbon footprint? What are the qualities you consider whether a garment is worthy of being added to your wardrobe?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
25 Comments
I love the idea of the Buffalo Exchange. I love to do my bit and buy recycled clothes and recycle my old clothes. You got a great piece here 🙂 Such a beautiful coat and I love how you have styled it. Thanks for hosting, I’ve linked up a photo shoot today what my daughter did for me and another post. Have a lovely weekend. Great featured blogger too, one of my favourites 🙂
Much like remodeling a home, our clothing can also be given new life with a few small changes.
I never manage to find anything that exciting! Such a clever way of making it fit better with the extra button. Well done!
I often find myself envying others who post of their fabulous finds as well. But once in a while, I’ll come across a gem that makes the wait worth it.
I love how the pants remind you of your grandma’s couch….my grandma’s couch was always covered with plastic, LOL
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
🤣 I had a grandmother like that, too.
That coat is a reall statement piece. These colors are so flattering on you. It’s amazing what is out there that just waits to be reused/recycled/upcycled. So inspiring!
I was so pleased when I found it. I can’t imagine why someone would have gotten rid of it.
I am going thrifting with my mom next week, If I find something I will have to make sure to write a post about. Love how you altered the coat to better fit you. It is quite pretty on you and love the material and cut! Beautiful! Thanks for the feature!! It was a nice surprise!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
It was a pleasure to feature you. As for future thrifting for me, I’m not doing any for at least a couple more weeks since COVID has been surging in my area. Just hearing that it might be plateauing but area hospitals are at max so I think it best to limit any exposures for now.
That coat looks pretty good. It reminds me of coats by Desigual.
yes, doesn’t it.
Your brocade coat is gorgeous and such a great find! Love the mix of textures to this look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill. I’ve got lots of styling ideas for it plus ones for use in a couple of Halloween costumes 😉
The brocade coat is a great find! I love the tweaks you made to the coat; it fits better!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you for the compliment.
Beautiful coat and pants! What a clever idea to make some changes to the coat!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Most garments seem to fit better with a little nip or tuck, don’t you think?
OMG, Rena, this brocade jacket is amazing!!!!! I just photographed a brocade blazer that I found on a recent thrifting trip. I hope to have it on the blog soon. I love brocade so much!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I kind of like that brocade isn’t trending right now because that makes the pieces we have so unique. I bet that your new-to-you blazer is fabulous.
I’ve been to Buffalo Exchange in Seattle – it’s a lot of crap usually, but every so often you see a gem like this coat. I love that brocade fabric, and that swooping cut – good on you for removing the back band (I know exactly what you mean) and for adjusting the buttons the way you want.
I’m a seasoned thrifter – back in the pre-C days when we could travel, I often researched thrift/second-hand/consignment stores to visit in whatever city I was in. I love the interesting things you find, the glimpses of our history (unions, sewing, fabric, designers) and of course, the Thrill of the Hunt!
Thanks so much for dropping by, Rena! Nice to meet you – I saw you in the Monochrome GB/GB link up!
Shelia, first of all I’ve been a fan/follower of yours for a few years now and I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I learned a lot about thrifting and vintage just from your posts. I agree with you about the selection at Buffalo Exchange plus the prices are a bit high so not a good place for resell sourcing. It’s still worth a visit every now and again. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 😊
Rena, that coat is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve always loved brocade but I’ve never been lucky enough to find something that stunning!
Hugs
Suzy x
The Grey Brunette
Suzy, finds like this coat are rare but nevertheless, there is a thrill in the hunt for such a treasure.
This is such a great philosophy and the coat is such a statement piece. You’ve made it your own with those fabulous pants.