Fabienne Chapot pink hat and grey faux fur trim coat + link up

It took me a long time to feel comfortable wearing hats, but now I have quite a collection. I love how they can totally transform an outfit (as well as keep your head warm). Most of my hats are in neutral tones, but a brightly coloured one has the ability to make a bold statement. Plus, it’s fun to co-ordinate your hat with your outfit! So when I spotted this pink Fabienne Chapot pink hat on sale at Secret Sales I didn’t hesitate in adding it to my basket. It was also available in pale blue, and I’m a big believer in buying the things you love in multiple colours. So yes, I bought them both!

I had to wait weeks for them to arrive, but when they were finally delivered I was delighted. They are every bit as fabulous as I expected from this premium Dutch brand. In fact I now have my eye on this emerald green one too!

I was first introduced to Fabienne Chapot by Jacynth, who stocks some of the brand’s pieces at the-Bias-Cut. When I modelled some of the A/W collection I was really impressed by the design details and the quality. It felt so much better than wearing inferior quality fast fashion garments. To be honest, it made me look at clothes shopping in a completely different light.

Really, we shouldn’t be buying clothes that need repairing before we’ve even worn then. That’s the difference between fast fashion and good quality garments.

Take this grey coat from Stylewe for example: it looks great on (well, I think so!) but if you look closely you can see the imperfections quite clearly. When I first wore it on the blog I lamented the poor design of the detachable faux fur sleeves. They were attached by saggy elastic loops and buttons, which you could clearly see. They also left unsightly gaps as the elastic stretched. I was really disappointed, but then my mother-in-law came to the rescue and painstakingly sewed the cuffs to the sleeves 🙂 All I need to do now is reinforce the popper fastenings which are coming loose.

Really, we shouldn’t be buying clothes that need repairing before we’ve even worn then. That’s the difference between fast fashion and good quality garments. Yes they cost more, but they are definitely worth it. Buy cheap buy twice, as the saying goes.

Not one to be defeated by a style dilemma, I had a light bulb moment and remembered that I had these long gloves stored away, and luckily they’re a perfect colour match.

Despite the problems I had with the coat I do really like the style and colour. The three quarter length sleeves with the faux fur cuffs are rather elegant. But they are best suited to a top with sleeves of the same length, otherwise the effect is lost. The only problem with that is it’s not great for cold weather. Not one to be defeated by a style dilemma, I had a light bulb moment and remembered that I had these long gloves stored away, and luckily they’re a perfect colour match. Problem solved!

Wearing boots the same colour as the trousers creates the illusion of longer legs…I’ll never say no to that!

Once I started looking through my wardrobe I found I had so much more than I though to match this hot pink hat. These Finery trousers had been hanging up for the best part of a year unworn. But the bag completely trumped them as it’s been in a box stored away for years. I bought it on eBay, new with tags, for less than £10. It’s really more of an occasion bag, but it works perfectly with this outfit. Wearing boots the same colour as the trousers creates the illusion of longer legs…I’ll never say no to that!

SHOP THE LOOK

I love the combination of dark pink and grey, it’s a colour pairing I come back to time and time again. Are you a fan too?

Fabienne Chapot hat (from Secret Sales, similar) | Stylewe coat c/o (first seen here, similar) | Finery trousers (similar) | Red Herring jumper (from Debenhams) | M&S boots (old, I love these embellished ones) | L.K. Bennett bag (old, from eBay, similar) | Azuni earrings (similar) | gloves from eBay

Last week’s favourites were…

Cristina of Memories of the Pacific, Shauna of Lipgloss and Lace and Gail of Is This Mutton!

This is where I link up!

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