Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Coat of Many Colors

When I was a kid my parents would get us up for church on Sunday mornings and all I could think of was, 'get me hence to Sunday school for the stories' - my favorite of which was Joseph and and the coat of many colors his father Jacob made especially for him (even then it was all about the fashion).  

I remember being in town in the dead heat of summer with my mom (small  prairie towns near our farm) and asking if she could make me a coat like Joseph's.  In my mind I saw a brightly knitted zigzag (missoni before my time, anyone?) coat that came all the way to the ground...purples, reds, pinks, yellows and greens.  I can still envision it now.  I think she responded with something like, "ask grandma" because my grandma was a crocheter extraordinaire and we were besties.  For some reason I never asked her but would, from time to time, wrap myself in the brilliant colored afghan blanket she had made me pretending I had a coat just like Joseph.  And the dream of that coat lived on, tucked away in a corner of my mind, for years.  It reared it's head when Dolly Parton sang 'Coat of Many Colors' (even though my I claimed my ears bled I loved it), and later when a friend surprised me with tickets to see Donny Osmond perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for my birthday.

About a month ago a Free People sweater caught my eye...The Technicolor Dreamcoat.  My heart sped up at the title and I gave it a click.  There it was!  My dream had come to life some 20 years later!!  Unable to take it anymore, a couple weeks ago I stopped into Free People and tried it on...then last week when Shopbop had their sales codes I scooped it up!  And last night I slept with it next to me on my bed.  It is everything I ever imagined and more.

Free People-Technicolor Dreamcoat, James Perse-Cotton/Cashmere Thermal, J Brand-Houlihan,
Banana Republic-Boots, Brandy & Melville-Bag
 The lapels in front give way to fringe that runs to the bottom of the sweater.
 It is warm and cozy and the colors are wonderfully soft, yet vivid.
 
 Dean Davidson-Turquoise Ring, Free People-Locket Necklace (from about 4 years ago)
I threw it on with my fringe bag (and other ring from LF) yesterday and almost burst 
into tears when I saw how great they looked together.
Twirling, swirling, colored fringe perfection.  
Christmas came early this year.

I'd like to thank God, Free People, La Mia Vita for hosting the Shopbop Giveaway I won, Shopbop for giving the gift certificate away and having an amazing deal last week, my credit card company, UPS for delivering the sweater, and my late grandmother for the afghan that kept the dream alive! (you'd think i just won a grammy)

And then she walked off into the sunset and never looked back.

The End

82 comments:

Signe said...

So great that it finally found its way into your life and it does look great on you!

Have a happy Wednesday :)

k said...

That is pretty epic Carrie! I would have to say, I would probably wear it around the house all the time and sing musical songs. and sleep with it too!!

Leia said...

What a gorgeous coat!

Leia

Laura said...

that coat is absolutely gorgeous :) I want one!!!!! ... And i totally wanted to go to "sunday school" for the stories and crafts.. that was the best part of church back then!!

<3 Laura

Anonymous said...

Ok, if you saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you already know theres a whole song about all the colors in the coat. Please tell me you're singing that while wearing this. At least let me think that, because I'd go around singing it if I had a freaking Technicolor Dreamcoat! (I love Free People for naming it that. Brilliant.)

The stars aligned and the dream came true! I think it was worth the 20 year wait.

BeautyH2T said...

I am so singing the joseph songs in my head, I LOVE that story and was my favourite too. this looks absolutely divine, I am so pleased for you, I am also crushing on the ring madly! :0

xx

Fashion Cappuccino said...

I love reading your beautiful story!! It's so cool that you found the sweater on Free People!! It looks amazing on you and I love the fringe bag! Perfect! xoxoxxoo

Collette Osuna said...

Awww...what a great coat story...and it looks fab on you...love the fringe purse too:)

Stop by and say Hello:)
I am now the NEWS EDITOR for Style Sample Magazine♥

jemina said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE that coat and tour fringe bag sooooo mucchhhh!!!!

Kisses
J
xoxo

Unknown said...

You have a very beautiful blog!! I like this outfit, it express freedom :)
keep in touch dear!

http://chicneverland.blogspot.com/

Lori said...

Sounds like fate to me! Thanks to you Dolly is now in my head and she is dancing and singing to Donny! Love the sweater Carrie ~ you wear it well. xo

Diana Mieczan said...

I think this is my favourite piece ever! I would love that adorable coat! Its magical:)
Kisses and hugs

Ps: I am hosting a beautiful scarf GIVEAWAY later today, just in time for Christmas.

little luxury list said...

Unbelievably fun (I can imagine why you'd sleep with it!)

Stacey said...

I can't help but to admire its weave and the colours are beautiful! I'd sleep in it and never take it off:-). Happy December 1st! XX

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

That's what I'd call a happy coat if ever there was one!

Chas said...

I love it, it's gorgeous! It's awesome how you slept with it!

Unknown said...

shut the front door - U WON?! - holy crap that's awesome - i try so damn hard for those Shopbop give-aways!!! .. ANYWAY i love coming on here - b/c seriously girl, u post pics and i'm like 'holy crap i have something like that' - i have ur outfit SOMEWHERE in what is called a 'closet' of mine - or maybe packed in bins - i totally LOVE the boho look - and FAB win! - high five girl!

Anonymous said...

So cool! I love the story and you look better than Donny in a dreamcoat! xo

Unknown said...

oh and in Sunday school i SO don't remember that story - but i also don't think i paid much attention ...

Courtney Erin said...

That's an amazing piece! I always meant to ask you what part of Canada you're from originally?

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

erica said...

It's like hippie chic and I am absolutely loving it

xo

hip hip gin gin said...

You are so cute!! I'm glad your dream finally came true!! And I hope you weren't kidding about sleeping next to it the first night, because, um, I totally do that with highly coveted new purchases. Have ever since I was a little girl, although next to the bed not on it. My mom just recently confessed that she also used to do that as a little girl (apparently she slept with her patent leather mary janes for several days), so it must be genetic!

the midnight bloom said...

love that jacket!!!!

ohhh i think u just got urself a new stalker!!!

xx

www.themidnightbloom.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Your patience and dream paid off. Its fabulous!
I was besties with my grandma too. When I was little she would have my dresses made for me and then take me to church to meet her friends.

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I loved reading the history of this find! You look fab in your technicolour dream coat xo

TheChambrayCountess said...

"Even then it was all about fashion" haha, I love it! Also, the back of the coat is way cool!

Taylor said...

LOVE! That is exactly how I remember the musical!!! You look smoking, but not too hot cuz we don't wanna burn the sweater! ;)

Faith J. said...

Wow, that is a great story. So glad you won this amazing coat. I saw Donny Osmond in the same musical in Minneapolis, years ago. It is one of my faves.

I read you are a cat rescuer! Me too! :) Actually going to get one today and bring him home out of the cold. My friend has been feeding him for the past couple of months and finally we found a home for our last kitten. Anyways, love your blog!

Jessica said...

Aww Carrie that's such a great story! I remember loving the stories from Children's Church as well, and I especially loved the one about Joseph and his coat of many colors. I have my Bible from back then and it had lots of colorful illustrations and I would always marvel at the picture of Joseph and his coat. I guess we were just fashionistas before we knew what the word even meant! ;)

Nikki said...

What an amazing sweater!!! Im so happy you got your hands on one after all these years. It looks magical!

xx
Nikki

Roxy Te said...

Isn't it the best when everday items (especially fun fashion ones!) conjure up the best childhood memories? :) Looking good Carrie!!! Happy December!!

Jamie said...

That sweater looks SO COZY!! The perfect solution to how cold it's getting!! I'm so feeling Free People right now!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Tiffany Kadani said...

I love this! It looks great on you and there's an awesome story with it. Such great photos!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oooh that is so pretty!

Dawn said...

(sigh)
You live my life in my dreams.
I would love that colored coat....but for some reason I am PRETTY DARN SURE it would look a zillion times better on you.

You are beeeeuuuuttiful.
(By the way....that coat really does belong in Canada. You know that. It's downright nippy here;)

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

LOVE that fringe bag!

kimbirdy said...

yay! i saw this online and drooled over it too. it's so great! and it looks just gorgeous on you. i'm so happy you got it! i also love your thank you speech. tee-hee!

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Um...WHAT???! That sweater is like the best afghan/woobie I've ever seen...And it's perfecto with the bag! Way to keep Granny and the dream alive...you go sister. xo

Josie said...

That was one of my favorite stories when I was little, too. And you've finally found your coat, haha -- I love it on you!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

the chirpy bird said...

Listen I gotta be honest with you... a giveaway like that is comparable to a Grammy and it's a winnings you can wear right? Hell, it might even beat a Grammy!
Congrats gorg, that's an adorable story from your childhood too!
xox tash

Living like Laree said...

i LOVE this look! i have a bag very similar!

Jude said...

You look amazing! I drool over both the coat and the bag (I'd want to swan around the house in them and sing songs from that musical). And this just confirms for me that Free People is ever-awesome :)

Valerie said...

It's beautiful and looks so cozy and warm. Perfect for the freezing week we've had around here. What a dream come true! It does look fabulous with your fringe bag. About your comment today, I cried through the ENTIRE movie when I watch the Blindside. When he says, "I've never had one of those before" talking about the bed?? Forget it. That really tugged at my heartstrings.

xo
Valerie

Lila said...

It was meant to be, who said dreams don't come true? Completely smitten with the fit and colors.

Kristen said...

omg you lucky gal. This IS just the thing you had been dreaming about all your life! Gotta love Free People. I love how you describe the colors as soft, yet vivid. perfect my dear!!

STYLE'N said...

What a fun colorful sweater coat and I just love Free People. I just saw the new Anthro catalog and saw a lot of color there too. Perfect for the dreary winter right?

justagirlLaura said...

How freaking fantastic that something you've dreamt about for years is now available?!!! I would die! Congratulations.

And, I just about died when I read your thank you list. Awesome!!

Anonymous said...

love love love... And with the shirt and boots- perfect!
Bisous,
Rachel
lovealamode.wordpress.com

Renee said...

Your coat is amaaaazing!!!!!

Joie de Viv said...

That's such a lovely story Carrie! I loved reading all of it. That coat is gorgeous and I can see what you man now - after reading the story. :) Enjoy it for many many years!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

Marie a la Mode said...

It's gorgeous Carrie! And something you will wear forever. I love the location of your photo shoot, too! Joseph would be proud ; )

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Can you come coach me on posing? You always look so effortlessly cool in our outfit pics! Love that bag!

Amber said...

your coat is perfect and suits you so well, what great friends you have

Laura said...

The coat is absolutely gorgeous, I love the colours and style, it looks really snug and warm too :)

L x

Annie said...

awww Carrie! What a beautiful and meaningful purchase! I love it and the story.
p.s. Thanks for bringing me back to my younger dance recital days where we all had different colored unitards as we performed to Joseph's Technicolor Dreamcoat.. lol xo

Claire Kiefer said...

That sweater is amazing and you look amazing in it. There is a SATC episode in which Carrie wears a gorgeous, multi-colored coat (it's the last episode of season 4 and it's called I<3 NY--the one where Miranda has her baby and Carrie and Big have a farewell date and a carriage ride) and I've had similar thoughts about that.

I love it! It's so pretty! You're always so phenomenally put together. Maybe I could learn a thing or two if I'd ever get out of bed more than 10 minutes before I have to leave for work. Snooze snooze snooze, story of my life!

Marissa said...

Thanks, sweetheart! Stray Cat Alliance doesn't sound silly at all. Animals are people too. Er, um... you know what I mean. ;)

LyddieGal said...

Living the dream. I love it!
And I love how you got such a great deal ;)

Closet Fashionista said...

Wow I love it!! It looks sooo amazing!!! I'm glad you finally got your technicolor dreamcoat :D :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Liz said...

Wow. that's a gorgeous sweater and beatiful pictures. Free People has a couple cardigans I like, but unfortunately, I'm broke. :(

Kristen said...

I love this Carrie! This is totally my kinda jacket! And the location is amazing!



Thank you for the belated birthday :)

Alicia Lund said...

That is quite the sweater Carrie! You wear it well! ;) And haha, no I missed your tweet yesterday - too funny!!

Taylor said...

That coat is beautiful. I missed out on Shopbop sale codes?!?!

I just bought a sweater (from American Apparel of all places) that I have been sleeping in bed with too.

sssdawna said...

wow, you look awesome in that : ) : ) so inspiring. i love that bible story, too, thanks for sharing. lol @ your long thank you list!

PursuitOfLLT said...

That jacket is so you!! Love how carefree it is!

Secondhand Stella said...

Love your rings and necklace!!!!

Ashley said...

What an awesome story! Your new coat is fun, and it totally fits your style. I love how you paired it with the fringe bag; you're right, it does look great!

*** said...

That coat is so beautiful and the story behind it even more amazing.

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

aw that coat looks so nice--definitely very you. Now that you mentioned Joseph I have "Any Dream Will Do" stuck in my head now (and I don't hate it)

xx
MILK TEETHS

A Crimson Kiss said...

Oh my goodness, this coat is a technicolor DREAM! I love this, and you styled it to perfection, as usual!

JMB said...

Probably, NO, definitely thee most beautiful blog post I have read yet to date! 71 comments, girrrrrl shut your mouth! Love how you included your granny in the story as well. I too, was besties with my nana. Love.

Marcie said...

Isn't winning the best? I love that coat. It is something that will be in style forever. Even more, I love that ring and your necklace. Carrie, you are quite the accessorizer.

:) M

Fierce Pretty said...

With 71 comments.. you may as well have won a grammy!! In fact, this is probably better.. grammies are too common anyway!

I love this, all of it!

Make that 72 now.

christine, just bella said...

Aww, what a sweet story!! I'm so happy your dream came true!! I'd sleep inthatsweater too - it looks so cozy.

ejb said...

This is such a great sweater! I love your turquoise ring too, its absolutely stunning!

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I LOVE this story!!! When it was off Broadway, I went to see the musical. I loved musicals (and still do) and that was such a great show.
I love your coat. It looks so very warm and perfect.

Poppies and Sunshine said...

What a great story! Love your outfit. And I also always loved the story of Joseph and I love the play Joseph and The Amazing Color Dreamcoat.

Anonymous said...

If I ever imagined Joseph's coat - it was just like this one. You look so wonderful in this setting and with that fringe! I think Joseph would be jealous ;)

XOXO,
Erika

Katness said...

I love the hippie style! If i lived in California I would look something like that. Not sure why I wouldn't do it in New York... I guess the corporate midtown Manhattan has gotten me trying to fit in. Sad.

Happy Thursday!

Unknown said...

That coat is great! I'm so glad you won, there's nothing better than a good giveaway! I love how colorful it is and it fits your style perfectly!

xo Mary Jo

She Wore It Well said...

love love love ittttttttttttttttttt.

and the fringed bag!!!!!

zs closet said...

love the sweater!xx

www.zscloset.blogspot.com

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