j.crew sale popback review: mackintosh rousay tattersall.

Hello everyone!

J.Crew still has their extra 30% off sale promo going on with code STYLEFIND (free ship on $100), both online and in stores. (Is anyone's store still doing 40%?)  There were some new items marked down this morning in the Collection section, including the Dotted Silk Shell, the Cashmere Purl-Stitch Snood and Glittens, the Brushed Wool Top and Skirt, the Ruffle Collar Shirt.

I've managed to pretty much avoid the sales in this new year. I don't need much for spring, and due to the eventual move, I am on a strict budget anyway and simply can't overfill any closet or storage in this house. So it's only to be very special pieces from now on.

This item is one for which I sold quite a bit of clothing in order to splurge, the Mackintosh Rousay Tattersall Coat in Wool. I snagged my size (small) on popback during a 30% off promo months ago, and alas, I received the wrong item. Ever since, I've been stalking it. Suddenly, it popped back (and luckily, during another 30% off promo and not final sale). Having tried out a medium previously, I knew small would be correct, and an XS would be too small in the shoulders for me.

You can read the history of the Mackintosh coat and the unique cloth, invented by Glasgow chemist, here. The coat is part of the JC Collection. The material is a water-resistant, bonded fabric (JC's description says this is "a method that melds wool flannel and rubber-proofed cotton together in one compact layer"). You can see in the inside label that they've assured me I can wear it in the heaviest downpour. The black buttons say Macintosh

The feel of the coat is very unusual: stiff, structured, fairly thin. Sort of makes a rustling noise that reminded me a bit of cardboard. That sounds terrible, but it's not bad, just...different. It might not be for everyone. So the feel of this coat is something to get a little used to at first, but I was ok with it after playing around with it for a while. With nothing at my neck (which is a bit sensitive), I did feel the wool a bit, but I didn't find it was terribly scratchy and my skin didn't get red, which is my deal-breaker. If you're very sensitive, you'd need a scarf or collar.

The color is a gorgeous red with black tattersall lines. I really enjoy a cheerful color, especially on a dreary day. The wool in this coat also means it can be worn in the winter, during those sleet-y, yucky days. There are little venting underarm grommets, which are a helpful touch in this insulated jacket. It's a very well-made coat, truly something that will wear beautifully for many, many years I'd imagine. The fit of the coat feels chic, making the shoulders look small and feel a bit Audrey Hepburn (I can't even explain why that is who it made me think of), and the sleeves are slim. The sleeves are on the long side. If you roll them, you get a peep of black.  The body of the coat comes out into sort of an a-line, but the structure of the coat makes it work. That structure does make it harder to leave unbuttoned. I preferred the look of it buttoned all the way up and the collar popped. Speaking of which, the collar is a cute, sort of peter pan style when left down. 

What do you think of this coat? Even on sale plus promo, it's an investment, long-term piece. There are two other Mackintosh coats on sale that pop back now and again as well, the Luggie Coat and the Hooded Traig Jacket.

Have a wonderful day!