Thanks everyone for your responses, I really appreciate it! As for practicality, it doesn't need be be too 'practical'. I don't live in NYC, Aspen, Europe, or Russia where people walk all over in the extreme cold for long periods of time. I'd probably never walk more than a block wearing this coat, nor spend more than 15 minutes outside. I have very 'practical' longer coats for that!
So anyhow.....they sent me a photo, this is NOT me! I have light brown hair with blonde highlights and the dark coats (even if they last longer) are not flattering on me at all. I'd have to go lighter and I love the lighter color. Also, this coat is a large and looks big on the model and me, so they would need to order the medium which wouldn't look as big as it does in the photo. I tried the small on and it fit, but we all thought it would be better to have a little extra room. Anyhow, I'm on the fence! The SA said she'd try to get the store manage to extend the discount til Monday for me if I want it.
I actually love this length, but wouldn't mind a coat to hit my upper thighs. Too many decisions to make!
The second photo is the longest I would go, but I do like this length as well. About mid-thigh.
I must say both are fabulous so it makes the decision harder. I do prefer them to hit mid thigh too - that is my preferred length. The shore you post is also really nice though.
Best of luck Dear Sable-ista - exciting times. Enjoy your purchase.
Getting a sable altered is often done I think because the pelts are so expensive that relatively the altering isn't. I love that first coat you post. I am so jealous not to be buying sable!
I love the coat, it's not about the coat itself, but I don't know if it will fit into my casual life style. I'm very casual overall (rarely wear dresses and skirts) and I feel the sable is so extravagant and 'fancy', I don't know if sable is the right choice for me. I see all the gorgeous Russian models in their sables, but I don't have a life like them or dress like them. The coat is mine if I want it, it's been paid for but I don't have to take it when it comes in on Thursday. It's a gorgeous coat, but I don't want to get something so expensive and barely wear it! 
I feel like I literally want to hug you and tell you (like they do in those L'Oreal ads) you are worth it. Obviously, your wonderful SO does too or he wouldn't even consider it. 
and they are pretty rare. I wear my jacket with 'whatever' day and/or night, just as anyone would a mink or a faux. They look great with jeans, flares, all kinds of trousers, no need to even change for the evening, just an added necklace and change of bag - bang, ready to go. You will have the jacket for many, many years and plenty of time to grow used to it. 
Life is short, it's true! I'll be picking it up on Thursday and wearing it out that night 
