Review on Fashionable And Functional: BGSD Women'S Hooded Faux Shearling Maxi Walking Coat For Ultimate Comfort And Style by Eric Trask

I bought this to replace another coat by the same maker, which I had misplaced. I loved the other coat, and like this one, the sewing and construction is well done, the fabric is nice too. Sadly, unlike the first coat (not offered at this time), this coat has strange buttons. The buttons are much too thick and just slightly too wide to easily fit through the buttonholes. It is necessary to force the buttons through each hole (or the top loop), making putting the coat on or taking it off very difficult and slow. I do not have any arthritis or hand problem, these are simply a very poor choice of buttons for the holes. I think the buttonholes will stretch out, eventually making use easier, but I worry the fabric will look warped and the sewing reinforcement around each button may break or snap. I don't understand the choice of pairing these buttons with the cutting and sewing design of this coat. I would have given 4 or 5 stars, if not for this problem.Size-wise, I'm 5'6" and I though the medium was a great fit for me, long enough at the sleeves. The shoulders are too narrow, many women may need to order a size larger, as other reviewers note. I had bought a Large in the previous coat from this maker, and it was slightly too big for me, but, sadly, the medium is too tight at the shoulders.The fit is for junior/teens, or the slender/small-boned. It fits at the length of sleeves and waist, but is tight at the back and shoulders; I can't comfortably cross my arms in front of my chest, bending, reaching and carrying things will be hard. The coat is a bit more narrow at the bottom than I'd like, The narrow cut doesn't prevent easy walking, because the buttons stop high enough up to make a slit, giving more leg room to walk. I'd rather have a more full profile at the skirt hem, to make it warmer, as more fabric means more coverage, but it is a nice, slim profile which I may learn to like more.Still, it is a nice garment, warm and attractive; I like the inner pockets with zipper access. I am disappointed about the buttons, but not enough to send it back. I sure hope the buttonholes stretch without damage to appearance or actual tearing. This coat is heavy, but I like the fur-on-the-inside material, and very much appreciate a vegan choice in a warm coat (no down for me).