Fashion | The Classic Trench (When Burberry Isn't an Option)
Well.... I said to myself a while back that I wasn't going to do any more fashion posts. They are by far my least favorite to write, the most awkward to photograph (oh, hello neighbors! Just me standing in my driveway while my husband takes photos of me. I mean, really.) and just all around not the best. But.... I felt this find was worth sharing, so here goes... (fashion bloggers, how do you do it?!)
I tend to only add a few new clothing items each season to my closet. I really try to find pieces that will have some longevity, at least those that are more than $50. Every spring and fall, for the last several years, I've been on the hunt for the perfect classic trench coat. Not too short, not too long, fitted but still roomy enough to layer over a sweater, just the right color and so on and so forth. Yes, I'd love a Burberry and no, it's not in my budget. I've tried a number of more reasonably priced designers and sadly I typically end up swimming in the coat and humming the theme song from Inspector Gadget. Until this spring, thanks to J.Crew. (This is not a sponsored post.)
I ordered the J.Crew Factory Trench and the J.Crew Icon (the name alone made me hopeful) Trench and then compared. There is about a $150 difference in price between the two coats. After receiving them, I still couldn't make up my mind. Having Jimmy take pictures sealed the deal and I knew right away which one would stay in my closet. (Cue the awkward photo session...)
I tend to only add a few new clothing items each season to my closet. I really try to find pieces that will have some longevity, at least those that are more than $50. Every spring and fall, for the last several years, I've been on the hunt for the perfect classic trench coat. Not too short, not too long, fitted but still roomy enough to layer over a sweater, just the right color and so on and so forth. Yes, I'd love a Burberry and no, it's not in my budget. I've tried a number of more reasonably priced designers and sadly I typically end up swimming in the coat and humming the theme song from Inspector Gadget. Until this spring, thanks to J.Crew. (This is not a sponsored post.)
I ordered the J.Crew Factory Trench and the J.Crew Icon (the name alone made me hopeful) Trench and then compared. There is about a $150 difference in price between the two coats. After receiving them, I still couldn't make up my mind. Having Jimmy take pictures sealed the deal and I knew right away which one would stay in my closet. (Cue the awkward photo session...)
^^I know you are scrolling up about right now because you don't see a difference, right? Well, there are a few minor differences. The collar on the Factory Trench is a bit rounded and has tiny pleats in back so it needs to stay down, the Icon Trench has a pop-able, straighter collar, which I prefer. The Factory Trench color is a bit warmer versus the Icon Trench. The buttons are a different color and the Factory Trench has the slightest flare versus the very straight lines here. They are identical in length, hitting high thigh for me, the ideal length because it looks equally good with a dress as it does with jeans or pants.^^
They are both really pretty coats. If I'd only ordered one I would have been super happy with the cut and fit for the price, but after comparing the two, I actually found the Factory Trench to be more flattering on me. Mostly, I prefer the color. So there you have it. Why I waited this long to try J. Crew for a trench coat, I don't know. Add the perfect classic trench to my wardrobe, check. :)
(For reference, I'm 5'7", wearing a size 0 in both jackets. The cut in the shoulders is very narrow and small across the chest. I probably could/should have gone up a size, but feared it wouldn't be as fitted. I'm wearing it with a thin sweater and still found it very comfortable, any thicker though, and it would have been snug in the shoulders. If in doubt, size up one from your usual J.Crew sizing.)