Joan Rivers Houndstooth Swing Coat

Couldn't be happier with this coat. It fits true to size. The quality is top notch. I get compliments every time I wear it.
Thank you Joan!

This coat is beautiful just like all Joan's clothes. Her clothes are of the best quality and the fit is terrific.
I wish I could buy all of them!!

I purchased the fuchsia/navy coat in small (my usual Joan Rivers size). The colours are beautiful: a vibrant magenta (more so than fuchsia) with the navy a deep enough shade that you could easily wear it with black. It's substantial in weight and would be a perfect piece for spring, fall, and warmer winter days. The collar stands up nicely and I really like that you can turn back the cuffs and still have the outer material visible.

And yet I sent this coat back the very same day that I received it. Here's why:

The idea behind the design is inspired. However... the execution of the design leaves much to be desired. My bust size is 36 which falls on the low end of size "small" according to Joan's chart. And, according to the garment measurements, this coat in small is 39" around the bust which should leave plenty of room for a 36" bust wearing a light sweater. And yet, when I tried the coat on wearing a light cotton t-shirt, the coat was WAY too tight across the back, upper chest, and shoulders, and the armholes were FAR too snug (my arms are "normal-sized" and in proportion to the rest of me).

Would ordering up a size help? Nope. Because, even in the small, the waist is FAR too wide – even for a swing coat! In reality, this garment looks more like a circus tent or maternity-wear for someone nine months pregnant with octuplets – especially when you turn to the side.

In the web photo, Kelly has her hands in the pockets (and her arm pinned against her side in the back view) which effectively pulls in the sides of the coat for a more flattering look - but you can't walk around like that all day! I'd love to see an on-line photo of this coat on a model IN PROFILE with her hands LOOSELY DOWN AT HER SIDES which would provide potential purchasers with much-needed visual information.

It would also help if we knew the waist measurement AS WELL AS the sweep measurement so that we could know whether the coat flares out from a semi-fitted waist or whether it's pretty much wide all the way down from the bust - like this one is.

Anyhow, in a nutshell, I returned the coat (and lost the cost of shipping & handling) because the garment measurements on the website didn't translate into reality. The upper part of the coat was too small, the lower part was too big and, overall, though I wear size small, this coat made me look HUGE.

Now for the disgusting discovery... As I put my hand into one of the pockets, what delightful little surprise did I discover? An extra button? A romance card from Joan? Nope. I placed my hand directly onto someone's scrunched-up, used, stained tissue!! I realize that unless we buy an item when it first comes to air, it'll probably have been worn by AT LEAST one other person (maybe more) and who knows how often. That said, finding a used tissue in a garment, especially a garment that's being sold as "new," is completely unacceptable! So I ask that ladies please check the pockets of garments before returning them. But, MORE importantly, I feel the onus falls on TSC to do a better job at checking returned garments before resending them to other customers.

Incidentally, though TSC asks that we "return the product in the same condition" in which we received it, and that "full credit will only apply to those items that are returned will all parts included as originally shipped," I did throw that nasty tissue in the garbage - where it should have been thrown by either the original purchaser(s) or by the people at TSC who should be checking the pockets of ALL returned garments.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the fabric; doesn't look like that
fabric that gets fuzzy with age. LOL

I love everything about this little coat! The fabric is woven not printed and is very good quality.

I can wear this with everything from skirts to jeans and it just looks chic and pulled together.

Joan thank you once again!

I ordered the black and white version in my usual size and found the fit to be too big. I tried to re-order because I loved it, but it was already sold out! I ordered it in the navy/fuschia and it is really nice. It will look fantastic with blue jeans and the fit is super comfy. Just as an aside TSC gets an order out pronto. I ordered the black and white version from a competitor "weeks" ago because I liked it so much and am still waiting for delivery. From now on I'll stick with TSC. I think most people would be pleased with this coat. It is very flattering fit.

I ordered the black/white at the intro price, when I received I didnt even have to try it on it had the hanger appeal. When I did try on I felt so en vogue very elegant/stylish.This is a definite must have for the season.

I bought the black/white version. I love the style and the workmanship, suitable for cooler weather, and with a sweater underneath who knows. You can feel the wool if you are at all sensitive if it's too warm out for the coat. I love it. Thanks Joan

This coat is a very snappy design - really love the way the sleeves can be turned up, little belt at back and the way it swings. Fits large so could go a size down. The disappointment is the fabric. I know oversize houndstooth is very popular this year, but a national discount retailer has used the identical fabric in a number of items this fall and I see it everywhere! Unfortunately it really detracts from my enjoyment of the coat. Also the collar is oddly cut so cannot turn it up. Unfortunately it will be returned :(

The coat is absolutely stunning. I ordered mine in black and white in size XS. The fit is just perfect for me. I also like the fabric a lot. The look is bold and beautiful and the coat looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. A must have for the fall. Love it!