Practical Magic

Since we've got an exciting story coming up in the magazine about fashion designer Natalie Chanin, I thought I'd share my favorite piece from her Spring 2010 collection: this Alice-in-Wonderland-by-way-of-Alabama masterpiece.

The handwork is so beautiful. Reminds me a little of this post about my favorite fabric of the moment.

A little bit folksy but highly sophisticated, the coat is a classic Alabama Chanin look: a piece of clothing that's as practical as it is beautiful. And like the rest of her couture pieces, it's one of a kind, sewn entirely by hand in Florence, Alabama, by the local artisans who have been producing Chanin's work for years.

Yes, that makes it art worthy and collectible, but the piece is easy to wear, too. I like the idea of throwing it over jeans with tall, champagne-colored suede boots or wearing it as a topper for dresses and skirts. 

It's most definitely on my wish list come spring, especially since I could wear a coat like this three seasons out of the year in balmy Charleston!