Love that story. Well done you. It's so amazing that you were able to have to have it re-lined and I bet it feels like a brans new coat! I'm sure managers can always sense when a client is being 100% sincere and want the fix or exchange purely for themselves and their real lives and not for resale hope.By the way, I love Max Mara for their service. They do cave eventually.
Quick story of mine to share...
I had a Max Mara coat that was over 10 years old. It was one of those special seaonal coats Max Mara does each year.
I wore that coat to death. The lining started to split, and some parts of the bold top pick stitch were coming apart. Aside from that, the camel fabric looked great (Max Mara coats last forever!).
I asked Max Mara if they would re-line the coat and re-do the pick stitching. Of course, they say no, and that it was a very old coat.
Like you, I begged. I told them I loved that coat, I have other Max Mara coats and clothing, but this is a coat I cannot buy again.
The manager must have felt sorry for me, and she said they will do it this one time, but they cannot do it again. I said great!
I was really happy they did that for me.
On the YouTubers.. yes... exactly! I've seen some people who downsize so much, it now just looks like a regular coat that is one size too big for them. The slouchy, oversized look is lost.
If you can find any love for the white, I would get the white! I love love love white coats in the winter. That color goes with everything, and it is so striking. Very few people wear white winter coats, but when you see one, it just pops and is so elegant.
I'm a Manuela gal, and the minute Manuela comes in white, I will order one.
I hadn't ever considered the white Madame but I've just had a good look at it online and... I want it! Perhaps I even now NEED it?! You've described it perfectly. It's a stand-put piece. It is a curb-to-car coat though it's so precious. I wouldn't really travel on the subway / tube wearing it. I also really need the navy. Oh dear.
lol. But I understand it's a matter of self perception, years ago I used to wear hills all the time wanting to look taller, but I'm super comfortable wearing flats now. I actually love paring Teddy with casual sneakers and obviously the overall look is bulky, but I don't think it's "fat" bulky, it's cozy-bulky, like being wrapped in a blanket and that's the style as I feel it. I'm not worried that people will look at me and think that I'm huge, I think it's pretty obvious that the coat is oversized. I saw your post earlier about your friends telling you to pass and I think that it's a really expensive coat to purchase if you feel unsure about it. You need to feel in tune with this bulky blanket-like style. I think it looks beautiful on you, but it's you who's going to wear it and you really need to know that you'll enjoy it, otherwise what's the point to spend to so much money. Maybe try to imagine as if you already had it, would you want to wear it today? How would you feel? Would you wear it on a date? Would you feel embarrassed or chic? Good luck deciding!