Trenched in with Kate Spade

One thing was made clear to me on my trip to San Francisco... I need a new stylish trench.

I have a vintage red trench, which is admittedly fabulous, but my more neutral tan one is horrid.  Its an old-old old, shapeless and marked up coat from the Gap that really has no redeeming qualities at this point other than I don't care if it gets more messed up. But if I'm going to be traveling for work or some place decent, I need a decent coat.

And Kate Spade's Topliner Trench fits the bill and suits my style to perfection.

I've been smitten with this coat for a few months now but, in trying to be somewhat frugal, I passed it up and its original $698 price tag.

But even though I tried to stop thinking about it, the bold piping and Florence Broadhurst lining still never left my mind.

    And, lo and behold!  When I checked back, it was 50% off.  Plus I had a 15% off discount as well,  
    making this lovely trench within my budgeted price range!

I am soooo excited to wear this sweetie.  I have more trips coming up (look out NYC!) and it's going to be the perfect accompaniment to my adventures.

Ensemble du Jour - Rainy Day New York

Whoops!  A missing New York visit outfit post. 

This day it was rainy and I was walking so I did milkmaid braids.  I wore my vintage red trench over one of the Target floral dresses and black cardigan.  I walked down to Union Square and then the Chelsea Market so I went practical in black patent oxfords and creme ankle socks.

I always walk for miles when I'm in New York and I really feel that oxfords, Converse and wellies are better shoes to pack than heels... but somehow I still end up packing too many heels too!

Channeling Coco

About once a year or so I toy with the idea of streamlining my closet and wardrobe palette. But then I end up wearing some flouncy pink, purple and blue outfit and it all goes out the window. It must be a winter thing because here I am again wanting to go through all of my clothes and shoes and accessories and edit out the color for, what I consider, a Chanel-esque tone.

I had been toying with this idea a few weeks ago but watching Coco avant Chanel on the plane back from Ireland made we even more inspired to do it. The thing is, I love the classic tailoring and elegant femininity of the Chanel look. I love the black, whites, greys, sages and pinks. The restrained lines with immaculate detailing. It all appeals to me strongly.



The movie was some, but not enough, of what I hoped for. I expected it to be about the elements that influenced Coco's aesthetic but I wanted even more. The few brief moments were not enough and didn't tie it back to her later creations. Less romance, more fashion!



As I cast a new eye over some recent purchases, I saw details were already creeping in.



I love the off-white pajamas with the black piping.



And I just purchased a few of the new Rosalind Keep trompe l'oeil Trench Dresses from Oasis (UK) -

Trench Dress:

Prom Dress:

In Black:

In Pink:

And of course there are the classic wool suits embellished or combined with pearls and crystals.

Of course these aren't as detailed, but Forever 21 had some cute options to wear to work and with jeans:

I'm wearing this jacket today with a beaded top, black pencil skirt, black tights and black patent heels.

But I especially adore the very restrained schoolgirl-ish looks with the tidy collars.

Crisp white against a dark background.

Those scenes influenced this new Sonia Rykiel dress purchase to be sure.

I'm going to at least write up my wardrobe parameters leaving room for patterns like damask, toile and, of course stripes!

Across A Crowded Room

I was randomly drawn to Target today. I know, it's evil. I should never step foot in there but, like any craving, it could not be denied!

I was browsing slowly through the racks of summer items that were crammed in next to the clearance racks filled with questionable winter pieces, when I saw this shiny sleeve peeking out from behind a over-filled display of dresses.

When I pulled it out, I found this - a glossy white hooded trench. Never even tried on!



There was only one there, and even though there wasn't a tag so I didn't know how much it was, I had to have it. It's hard to tell from the shots but this baby is so fun. With a dark navy lining, big front pockets, a collar made to be turned up mysteriously and lots of silver snaps.

Yeah, I'm kind of in love!

Even better, it was on sale - just $28!

And you can get one too, because I tracked it down. It's an online only piece so you'll have to go on and order your own.

I see all sorts of possibilities with this. Slick for spring, a great stand-out color in the fall and maybe fun for "playtime" too.

; )

I Am Spoiled

Oh yes I am, because I am getting this:

Valentino.

Made in Italy.

I mean, how ridiculously gorgeous is this? It's billed as a trench but depending on the weight this may become a dress. And if I can find it, I'm going to wear a bright aqua slip under it so it shows through those laser cut flowers in the pleated plissé skirt.

This is where it was originally sold at Bergdorf Goodman but Gilt Group listed it for an 1/12th of the price. So, yeah, if you haven't signed up for Gilt Group, let me know and I'll send you an invite.

And who do I have to thank for this... umm, hmmm... the hubby! He is amazing!!!!

*Smooches!*