1970s Down Coat

When we attended high school they still offered classes like jewelry making, sewing and shop. That's probably one of the things that's wrong with kids today - at least in California - public schools no longer give them the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn how to do things that are considered totally useless in the corporate world. In sewing class one of the projects was to make a down coat. For fifty bucks you could purchase the coat kit, and spend the rest of the term sewing it together during class. Stupidly, we sold our finished coat to a friend, then spent the next year or so filled with regret and envy as she paraded around campus in 'our' coat. Norma Kamali made down coats hip, and we think this version is every bit as cool. A tan chintz quilted shell is down filled and piped around the collar and placket in brown.  Open front styling without closures (we removed the ugly after-market hooks someone sewed on the placket  - resulting in rather inconspicuous needle tracks in the restoration - hidden when belted closed and nearly invisible when left open), it has a belt loop on either side waist with a detached belt, and inseam hip pockets. No label, its lined in nylon a slightly darker shade of tan, its chic, cozy and in excellent condition. Bust to 38", hip to 42", sleeve (center back to end of sleeve) 32", length 46", will accommodate a size 6 to 10.  $190