This is precisely my point–the Gucci ‘trench’ above is $4,300. I wore suede coats just like this as a ninth grader, from a middle class family and my mother didn’t work outside the home. What has happened? Since when are simple suede coats worth thousands of dollars? The goats and cows whose hides were used are still the most basic of livestock and not endangered species. I think the designer labels and the people behind them are grossly inflating prices with a lot of manufactured, faux status. When did quality become something only the super-rich can enjoy?

PaulaNovember 19th, 2014 11:39 PM
I adore suede coats, though I agree they are often expensive. Natalia is such a mysterious beauty, and Vogue Paris always has the best stories, editorials and styling in my honest opinion !

http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/

carolineNovember 20th, 2014 9:30 AM
Suede has always been my favourite garmento to wear but totally agree with Paula’s comments on how ridiculously expensive it has become and by far one of the costliest to keep maintained.

paula c.November 20th, 2014 10:46 AM
Paula said it perfectly. We dressed in beautiful, well-made clothing. Lovely fabrics and detailed tailoring – and most of it targeted to high school and college age students, although our mothers could also wear most of the pieces just as easily. The willingness of today’s consumers to pay ridiculous prices will continue to feed into the pricing, but I will not be contributing to what seems no more than greed. Further, there is something wonderfully liberating about reaching an age where one’s own style sense makes it easy to dismiss the silly styles and extravagant “must-haves” designers and magazine editors throw at us.

AliNovember 20th, 2014 10:52 AM
I totally agree about the pricing of designer clothing…however, having just visited the Mango site, I’m sure the lovely suede coat Preston posted will be affordable to most.

Thanks Preston!

bisbeeNovember 20th, 2014 12:47 PM
I also remember when a suede jacket was a “must have” for 14 year olds. They were not inexpensive, but was an affordable “special” gift for a girl that age ( Christmas, birthday, etc. ) from a family of middle class earnings. I remember the thrill of receiving one for Christmas.

AprilNovember 20th, 2014 12:59 PM
Loving the 70’s vibe suede! Great alternative to leather. Perfect alternative for so-cal weather.

rheamichelleNovember 20th, 2014 1:41 PM
It’s interesting that as prices go astronomically higher every year, I find more and more of the items in my wish list on sale. And that is in London or in Germany where the sales aren’t as agressive as in the US. The sale timing is also perfect, in early December or June, at the time when one can actually start to wear that season’s clothes!

MMSNovember 20th, 2014 1:47 PM
I love suede and it’s a great coat and jacket fabric for LA. I did splurge on a Ric Owens this year.

KathyNovember 20th, 2014 5:14 PM