Imagine this – You walk into a thrift store, and maybe after only 5 minutes, or possible a very long 2 hours – you discover IT! The thrift find of your life (or more like a week – if you thrift shop every week like me). But it’s too big, or too long, or too wide. So what do you do? I mean it’s a find you can’t miss. Not for the whole world.

That’s what happened to me and the ivory 100% wool coat that I found at our local Sal Val for $3.99 I have to admit, I almost left it hanging there, since it’s a Large and I am a Small, sometimes an Extra-Small. So you see my dilemma, right? In the end I just couldn’t let it pass. So here is what I did:

I went through all my other clothes in my head (yes, that’s possible, especially after moving from Russia, and only being able to bring 2 suitcases. I do still have some clothes in New Jersey, but I won’t be getting those until September) and realized that I can totally pull this outfit off. Let me show you the ways:

1. Heel it and Wear a bulky sweater underneath

I know it’s hard to tell (and again I apologize for the camera phone shoot) but I am wearing 2.5 inch heels that are successfully sinking into the carpet. You don’t necessarily need to wear heels if you are tall, but I am 5’6” and this coat was dying for some heels. The other thing – bulky sweaters are your best friend, it does get cold in the winter, you know (especially if you live in Minne- SNOW-ta).

2. Belt it

I got lucky – my waist line matched the waist line of the coat, so viola – a brown belt and off I go!

3. Scarves are your best friend!

This coat was like a perfect canvas I could play and mess with, if you find a coat or a jacket of a dark color, then obviously go for a light scarf to create the contrast. Be creative and don’t be afraid to stand out. Remember – there will be only compliments!

 

 

PS. I would especially like to thank my husband for stepping up and taking all these pictures. Honey, you are the best!