Character Coats

I’m convinced that much of my personality is made up of bits and pieces of characters I’ve seen in movies.  This in turn also inspires much of my wardrobe.  

My favorite thing to hunt down is outerwear reminiscent of these characters.  Putting on a large winter coat is the easiest way to disappear into disguise and become whoever you choose to be.  I remember one year searching Ebay and consignment stores alike until I found the perfect Russian princess coat that would make me appear to be Anna Karina in Vivre Sa Vie (which is still by far my favorite coat in the world).  Although another coat is the absolute last thing I need in my closet, here are some on my wishlist as inspired by the fictitious women we love:

Alice Ayers in Closer.  

I loved how she was basically the character in Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” come to life.  This blanket coat via Urban Outfitters reminds me of her shearling coat and reckless abandon.

Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums.  

Who doesn’t want to be her?  A prodigy, a playwright, a sullen lover…plus she has that Birkin I would kill for…  This ruffled faux-fur coat via Saks is an update on the plush yet ironic fur coat she dons throughout the film.

Clementine Kruczynski in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.  

This manic-depressive, potato-doll-making character is what I want to be.  Although I try to keep in mind that she is not a concept, she’s just a fucked-up girl looking for her own peace of mind.  I’ve always wanted a puffer-princess coat like the one she wears on the frozen Charles, and I’ve come close with this one via Saks.

Lauren Hynde in The Rules of Attraction.  

Love the book, love the movie, and pretty much love any character Shannyn Sossamon plays.  I just wish I were that indie.  This military coat via ASOS (possibly paired with a ruffley blouse and cords?) is so totally her.