August is a special time for us in the shop. On one hand, we’re gorging ourselves on tomatoes and peaches at their absolute peak, and wallowing in the languid, dreamy days of late summer. On the other hand, mornings are getting a bit darker and crisper, Boulder is filling up with students and their families for a new school year, and our fall deliveries are arriving daily, taunting us with all things cozy. One of the arrivals we (and you!) await with the most anticipation is a fresh batch of Lauren Manoogian’s incomparable alpaca coats, which rarely stick around long. 

Lots of you are already in the Coat Cult, but even for those of us who have been in the cult for 10+ years, it can be hard to keep the options straight, and even harder to choose a favorite. This primer on the season’s offerings should help with the former; we can help with the latter. 

Long Shawl Cardigan

A classic, streamlined long coat made of thick, softly-felted alpaca that features a rolled hem, dropped shoulder and smaller, integral pockets. The front can be pulled close and folded over to create a shawl collar, or left to hang straight for a more minimal look. We have this style in two colors this season - Patina and Antique Melange - and two sizes: One Size and Petite. 

Capote Coat

Shorter and a bit wider than the Long Shawl, the Capote Coat is made of the same felted alpaca blend and has the same integral front pockets. This coat is for people who want to feel like they’re wearing the world’s most publicly-acceptable blanket - its relaxed hood will keep you at maximum comfort and coziness through the fall and winter. With three color options to choose from (and the same sizing as the Long Shawl), your hardest decision will be deciding if you’re a Patina, an Antique Melange, or a Tobacco kinda person. 

Double Face Coat

The Double Face Coat is perfect for anyone who wants something a little lighter-weight without sacrificing warmth: it’s a hip-length dreamboat made of a lofty, felted alpaca and merino wool double-faced knit, offers a deep shawl collar that doubles as a hood when needed, and front patch pockets large enough to carry a formidable sandwich and a bunch of other stuff you can’t get through your day without. There’s nothing she can’t do! This style comes in three colors - Oat, Blackened and Merlot - and sizes 1 and 2. 

Long Double Face Coat

Wish your Double Face Coat could keep your knees warm? The Long Double Face Coat has them covered. Apart from the length, the differences here are a more streamlined shawl collar (no hood, sorry), and sizing: This coat comes in One Size and Petite One Size. This season we have it in Merlot, an incredibly deep, reddish brown. 

As you can see, there’s a ‘Noogian for everyone - we hope this helps you choose your favorite, and as always, we encourage you to stop in the Apparel store to feel for yourself why these coats never stay in stock very long! We’ll be here, patiently waiting for the temperatures to catch up and eating our peaches.