Have you seen the movie Atomic Blond? If not, you need to watch it. Not necessarily for the plot which I found a bit weak and hard to follow at times but for the super badass Chalize Theron kicking everyone’s butt while dressed like a rock star. Oh…and the soundtrack is pretty sweet too.
Charlize wears eleven different coats in that movie. I’m featuring five of them here.
The film takes place in 1989 and I’ll be honest, I don’t remember 1989 looking that good. In fact you could wear every single outfit from that film today and be right on trend. Thus is the power of vintage.
1. The first coat we see in the film left a huge impression on me.
It was this white custom-made vinyl raincoat by John Galliano.
This photo doesn’t do it justice. It is so far beyond any raincoat I’ve ever seen. I became slightly totally obsessed with that coat. (More on that later.)
Next we move onto a classic trench.
2. A traditional yet oh-so-damn-cool trench coat and those vintage glasses that are trending again right now.
Another tried and true classic winter coat.
3. A vintage 1980s extra long wool double breasted coat. Check out the over-the-knee boots! They are everywhere right now. What goes around comes around folks.
Timeless with a totally impractical twist.
4. This shot is from one of the many fantastic fight scenes in the movie all performed while wearing a classic white wool coat. I’m sure they had many duplicates of this coat as it would have been very messed up by the end of the scene.
How about some designer vintage?
5. We don’t see much colour in the film up until the end where Charlize dons a vintage Dior coat in red. Talk about eye popping vintage fashion porn. This woman really knows how to wear clothes.
From the moment I saw the movie I was on a mission to find some of the same pieces while thrifting and add them to my Etsy shop.
I spotted quite a few in the long wool coat category.
Long double breasted blazer style menswear inspired winter coat in taupe. Size small/medium.
Another wool coat 1950s 60s this time belted in bright orange/tomato. Size S/M
A gorgeous 1950s 60s teal wool coat that is quite simply divine. Size M/L.
You need to see the back of this coat to truly appreciate the craftsmanship.
I haven’t had a chance to photograph myself wearing it. Good thing because I’d probably want to keep it.
This is a classic London Fog trench coat but in a bold pink statement colour. Just the way I like it!
Size S/M.
I’ve got quite the personal collection of leather trench coats as I’m crazy about them.
This one below in burgundy with tweed trim is too small for me. Size XS.
Yes, those are tears falling on my keyboard.
This coat is a classic blazer cut with a single row of buttons. It is of course the gorgeous multicoloured plaid that really caught my eye. Size XS/S, thus why I’m not able to keep it. Otherwise this coat is a beauty!
If you’re into those big furry coats from the 90s that Melanie is always makes look so great I have one of those too. Size S/M.
I’ve got quite a few more coats listed that you can see in my vintage Etsy store here.
Remember how I said I’d get back to my obsession with the vinyl trench coat?
I had no luck at all trying to thrift anything remotely like it. I did however find an Etsy seller Ruslana Roman based in Russia that makes vinyl rain coats. I know! Can you believe it? They are made to order so I was able to choose the colour I wanted. After much debate I narrowed it down to either blue or purple and finally chose the blue.
Here she is in all her glory!
Can I just say how crazy I am about this coat? It is stunning! Every time I’ve worn it I get loads of compliments.
This coat does make me feel like I could kick some butt.
This is the first time I’ve had anything custom made since I was in my late teens.
Back then I hired a girlfriend to make a dress for me for New Year’s Eve. She was supposed to be a talented seamstress. I wanted the dress to be “all that” to show an ex what he was missing out on. It was a sheath dress in teal with spaghetti straps whose sole mission was to make me look like Marilyn Monroe. It was “none of that”. The fit was off. It was baggy where it should have fit like a glove. I wore it nonetheless because I felt at the time that I’d dropped some big cash on it however I never wore it again afterwards and considered it to be a waste of money.
Did I get the man back? Ha ha! Of course! But that is another story entirely my friends.
This experience of having a custom piece made was so much better!
There was quite a bit of delay receiving the coat due to my choice of colour as he had to order in the blue. When it finally arrived though I was more than pleased. It fits perfectly, has a gorgeous lining and a very unique beautifully designed cut. I love it!
I took more photos of some of my favourite coats and will have another posts coming soon featuring them. In the meantime you may want to see some of my other vintage leather pieces I have in my collection.
Have you ever had something custom made? Did it turn out as you expected?
Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday.
It’s funny how you can see a coat and the impression stays with you and makes you want it.
Many, many years ago we used to watch “The Apprentice” and one of the contestants had a white coat. I obsessed over it and finally bought one. It’s been my favorite for years. And the crazy thing? I just somehow ruined it? I’ve washed it in the past, but I just noticed the sleeves and hem looking quite dingy. So I put it is Oxyclean. And when I went to check it—there were these crazy black & pink stains all over it??? I have no idea what happened…so I’m going to have to get a new one. I doubt I’ll go with the vinyl, although then it wouldn’t get so dirty, right?
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh that is too bad Jodie! : (. I’ve had a few Oxyclean mishaps myself. Now I mostly use the spray on stain remover and no longer leave items to soak.
I’m drooling over Charlize’s coats, especially that red Dior number! The ones you’re selling are at least as fabulous, though. For a coat lover like me, it isn’t easy to choose a favourite. The teal coat, obviously, but I also love the plaid one and the leather trench. But, gasp: your bespoke blue vinyl rain coat! It’s utterly fantastic! Apart from the dresses my grandmother made me when I was little, I’ve never had anything customs made for me … xxx
The whole movie was filled with amazing clothing and music. I’d probably watch it again just for that.
This custom made coat really kicks it up a notch. I’m delighted with my splurge.
It’s raining coats! Each one a true beauty. I’m partial to the fuzzy one, although there’s nothing but fabulous-ness here. When the temps drop below 70, I’ll need a coat : >
Love the pics of Charlize too, and that hair she’s wearing is divine. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Ha ha! Ya bum! So far we don’t have snow up here and I managed to take the pug for a walk today too. It’s still warm enough to get out. I have a feeling that it isn’t going to last though.
I have lots of great “coats” that’d be good for your weather too. Just haven’t been listing them lately. A great very light duster in faux suede which I’m not sure I want to sell and another pretty pink tweed that is what I’d call a spring/summer coat plus that pink and brown floral one that I wore like a dress with those tall pink boots. So yeah..it is raining coats here!
So let’s just talk about that blue trench eh? Yes, I know there’s a whole lotta coat porn going on here, but the blue is quite another level of lusting. Open it up next time and show me the lining. And the back, how does it fit at the back? Does it have a big vent at the back? I need to know as this truly is a dream of a coat and I can understand why you would have one of these custom made. When I was 13, yes that long ago, I had a red maxi version of a very similar coat and oh how my teenage years when formed by it. I inherited the nickname “Tiggy” and strutted around town as if I was drop dead gorgeous. Big sigh as the fond memories roll by. Anyway, no I’ve never had a custom made item, but applaud your choice for this one. Way to go girl!
Anna x
I will try to get more photos next time for you Anna.
You can see what the back looks like here
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/536535568/pvc-vinyl-trench-coat-red-black-pink?ref=shop_home_active_12
There is a long single vent at the back.
Shame he doesn’t show the lining because it is wonderful.
I see now that he has raised his prices by about $150 CAD from what I paid. I think he is a bit overrun with orders.
Loved your story from your youth too! I can imagine you strutting around in that : )
You look gorgeous in your blue trench coat! The boots are a perfect match, too.
You also found some beauties for your Etsy shop. I loved the plaid too, but much too small for me…
Thanks for the movie recommendation. I will look out for it. I too have a thing for coats and jackets. In fact my very first blog post featured them. https://naturalmedley.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/one-for-every-day.html
I love your plaid one and the leather with tweed! binding. Of course your blue with the velvet boots is the piece de resistance. How a movie can change your life! Hope you get some nice rainy days to enjoy it. Here it would join my poor lonely gumboots in the cupboard. In fact they match your coat. Maybe I should send them over!
xo Jazzy Jack
Oh I won’t need rain to wear this coat! Ha ha : ) I have no qualms whatsoever taking this out in the sunshine or even the snow, although I will need to layer heavily underneath.
Rubber boots are good for about two weeks a year here. Can’t wear them in winter as they are too cold. I have a pair and literally only wear them once a year. Kind of a waste but saves me from getting wet feet one day a year.
Super into long coats rn, too!!!! Love the vinyl trench— I need one!
Whoa, Suzanne, I forgot all about those Charlize coats when I saw your new blue one. Yeah, that will sooo turn heads. The Groggy coat, well, you know how I feel about that one. You have the eye and always find winners for you and your store.
There are so very many great thrift finds out there just waiting to be scooped up! The pressure! Ha! (I may be slightly addicted.)
I hope that December is wet so you can get lots of use out of that coat! It is superb. I have had a few accessories custom made but shy away from clothing as it’s too much money for something I’ll inevitably change my mind about!! X
I’m hoping I won’t change my mind too quickly about this coat.
It is true that way back when we used to shop and hold onto items for a really long time. Now we think holding onto a piece for a couple of years is a big deal. Shame really.
right post at the right time!
i just discussed with me and hubs what to wear outdoors – i got a bit lazy lately and wanted to reach for the boring yet practical sporty black puffer jacket…..
you put fire on my imagination!
the russian made coat is extraordinaire! and the blue is gorgeous on you!
@your question: since i´m 15 i make myself “custom made” clothes – learned to be a seamstress in my teens and a fashion designer in my 20s 🙂
xxxx
I’m so impressed you were a fashion designer!
That blue vinyl coat is perfection – so 1960s in style and the colour was a brilliant choice. i love it.
You have found some lovely pieces, the tomato red coat looks amazing on you and the teal one is a beauty.
Charlize Theron would look good in a sack! xxx
Too true!
There is a scene where she is totally naked and she has the body of an 18 year old. No body double either.
Custom made? Yes indeedy. Back in then 80’s I had a girlfriend getting married and I was one of her six bridesmaids. We all helped to select the pattern and fabric for the dresses we would be wearing on her big day, and she selected a lady to custom make and fit the dresses for each of us. We all went to the seamstress’ home for her to take measurements, and the bride would check in with her by phone on a weekly basis. The bride went to view the dresses a a few times and was not seeing much progress on the part of the seamstress, and a a little more than a week before the wedding they were still not done… not one single one of the six dresses. The bride gathered up the fabric and what little progress had been made on the dresses and left in tears. She came into work the following Monday in tears since it looked like the dresses would not be ready for her wedding.
A man who was employed there, (Motorola in Tempe, AZ) listened to her story and said that he was a great sewer and would be happy to complete the dresses within the week. Long story short, he completed the sixth dress about two hours before the wedding, and they were gorgeous!
Moral of the story is to always know who you are dealing with when selecting someone to do custom work for you.
XOX
What a story! Talk about stress!
You are so right you need to know who you are dealing with, especially for a huge event like a wedding. Unbelievable. I’m so happy it all worked out in the end.
I’m replying here to your latest blog post since I am unable to comment on your blog. I can’t comment on any blog that uses the Blogger format and doesn’t allow Name and URL to post comments. So I’m hoping that somehow you get the comment from here.
Well I agree…that weight gain with age is just unfair. We already have enough to deal with. Just add that onto the very long list of other garbage. On the bright side we’re not dead yet! ; )
I love this funky outfit. I think it is great that you are wearing some of the same pieces from last year. I wish more people would do that. We have become obsessed with new and it is killing the earth.
Oh wow, so many coats in the movie and the ones you showed here are amaaazing! I loved them, especially the trench coat. Then I loooved the ones you showed on you! The first wool coat is fabulous and you look amazing – a model, really! I loved a plaid one, the red one, so many gems! But yes, finally, the vinyl one is phenomenal! I know Russians do great things, since I have some Russian friends. I had a patent leather coat, but not a vinyl one and I would love to! Thanks for sharing that!!!!! Bisous!
DenisesPlanet.com
There are so many great coats to be found at thrift stores here. It is crazy what people get rid of.
Oooooh! I can het all esoterie about a beautiful coat especially trenchcoats! But the last one is amazing! Seeing that coat made me remember something! As a little,very little, girl I had a Barbie doll with a lacquer black coat . The same as your blue one. And I remember I was totally crazy about that coat! Oh, I have a mission now!
I also had a Barbie with a vinyl coat! Ha ha!
I’ll be interested to see if you can find a similar coat in a regular shop. Good luck!
Where to start? Oh my, so many gorgeous coats. My favs are the red Dior Charlize is wearing in the photo(have to watch this movie), your tomato red, the hot pink and the plaid. Then there’s you custom made beauty. Wow, wow, wow. And I commend you for having the courage to order something custom made all the way from Russia. I would have been a little apprehensive. But I guess if the feedback is good, it’s worth taking a chance to end up with something that fabulous.
I so love coats and don’t get to wear them near enough since I’m in Florida during the winter. I actually pray for cold fronts!
Theresa
http://www.vintagestylefiles.com
I am NOT praying for a cold front up here! Ha ha! Sadly I think we’re getting one this weekend anyway.
I was really worried initially buying a custom made item like that from Russia but all the reviews were great so I took a chance. I’m happy I did.
I still haven’t watched the movie yet, but am looking forward to seeing those beautiful coats in action. As you know, I have a bit of a coat obsession myself, but have never had one custom made for me. Your blue vinyl coat is most definitely a head turner (I’ve seen it in person, so I know).
The pink trench and the teal wool are such beautiful, bold colours. The plaid one is very cool too, but way too small for me 🙁
Yeah…that one is too small for me too otherwise I’d really be tempted to keep it.
Have you worn your super cool black one you scored when thrifting with me yet? That is such an ACE coat!
Yes! I’ve worn it several times, and received compliments on it every time. I feel like a character from the Matrix when I wear it.
The coats in that movie are fabulous and not at all like the 80’s fashion I remember! I remembered a review of that movie and the lady said that the movie was not so great but she spent time thinking were can I get the clothes! LOL! I absolutely love your vintage coat choices but seriously that coat you had made for you is stunning!!! I can imagine you feel like a movie star in it!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/blog
Ha ha! That sounds a bit like me. I kept telling my husband, “Look at the clothes!!!”
He was obsessed with the music. But we both liked that Charlize was able to kick everyone’s butt.
That coat does make me feel like a spy on a secret mission.
Like Melanie, I forgot about Charlize and her coats as soon as I laid eyes on your coat offerings. I also visited the leather collection. Oh my Suzanne. I’m having a little trouble closing my mouth. Your taste in coats is classic but with a ton of panache!!! You look amazing in every coat you have in your current collection but I’m very taken by the leather coats.
I think coats are often cut/ designed more classically. Many women wear a coat for a long time before they buy a new one so styles stabilize a bit more. Vintage coats are a great way to sample the vintage market as a consumer and a really smart investment for the entrepreneur!
What a wonderful post!!
I do have a bit of a leather obsession. It has only grown like a wild fire now with thrifting. There are SO MANY great leather coats waiting for new owners in thrift stores.
I haven’t even shown any of my new-to-me thrifted leather coats.
I don’t find that they are the easiest to sell though. I’ve sold a few, but not as many as I thought. I guess not everyone loves it as much as you and I.
Indeed the coats from the movie are fantastic. And so is your blue coat. What a beauty, honestly! I am so tempted to buy one myself. But no… money is gone.
I have had a long fuchsia skirt made for me in India by an Australian designer (Madame Hall). That is perfect. And the blue shirt with mirrors she made with it as well. But the white shirt which I ordered after that wasn’t. Too stretchy which made it show my stomach bulging. I don’t like having things made for me. Sometimes I do it, and it does end well too (LBD, red peplum top) but I am not a fan. Failure is a big risk.
Greetje
Multiple statement coats are a necessity in Canada, where you have to wear one for like 10 months in the year, right? All of the coats in your post are gorgeous!
So inspiring ! Love Charlize’s fabulous collection and wish I could wear a chic white coat and fight like a dude! OH well..
Your coats are even better. I think I need that plaid ! Will try to get to the store..ASAP. That blue vinyl is also fabulous , i may get one of those too. “tis the season.
I have never had anything custom made, but now, I think I shall!
Much love,
Elle
https://theellediaries.com
woaaaa, this is a mouth watering, totally greed-inducing post!, I’m in love with those coats which Charlize styles with usual glam, but I think that yours are even better (and colorful!)
I love particularly your custom made coat, you look like one of those International Women of Mistery ready to kick butts (or whatever they do) with lots of attitude and elegance!
So inspiring!
besos
Oh my blessed blue latex. That coat is THE BOMB! And I mean, you walk down the streets of Toronto and explosions happen. So…maybe…that’s not a good metaphor. But you know what I mean! So so so so cool! And SO YOU!
I’m still on the lookout for a furry Muppet coat to call my own but I haven’t found the right combination of size, color, and shape. One day I will find the Muppet equivalent of your gorgeous latex!
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com