Another data point on the BB trench--any takers?

Hi, I don't know what came over me but I succumbed to the Brook Brothers trench frenzy. I ordered one in size 6, both navy and beige, to try on. I figured since I wanted to someday own a Burberry trench, that I should try these, since they are similar in style. I received the navy one today (the beige should be coming soon). But I already own two trenches that are really much more my style, by Kate Spade. My black Melissa ruffled trench is one of my workhorses, and the beige Topliner fit and flare contrast trim trench doesn't get as much play as it should, but I think it's just because my wardrobe colors don't fit with beige as well. I think I'll try to wear it more often though!

I tried the navy BB one on so I could show you how it fits on a medium sized apple. The navy is really dark, it's very similar to black. It's a size 6, which I think is the right size for me. But I'm planning on returning it, unless someone wants me to send it to them instead. Likewise for the beige, I'll probably try it on for curiosity's sake but I doubt I'll keep it. Let me know if any of you want it. Sorry to break the BB winning streak! I should have paid more attention to my style--the BB is perfect for minimalist/tomboy styles, but I like my classics with a more ALGO/ladylike flourish! Oh well, lesson learned--hope someone can benefit from my mistake! It is a really nice high quality coat, just not my style.

1-4. Navy size 6 BB trench--tied, with the liner inside
5-6. Belted
7-10. Kate Spade black Melissa trench
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....e-symphony
11-13. Kate Spade beige Topliner trench (lining in my fave KS pattern)
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....floral-bag

14-15. ETA: Forgot to add my Anthro red corset trench! Another classic with a ladylike twist!

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24 Comments

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    How wise that you are tuned in to what makes you happy. The BB trench looks fine on you but you don't look like you are happy with it. Not like you look in your KS trenches. You should model for Kate Spade.

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Sometimes it takes seeing it on to confirm what we already know.  No harm, no foul.  I can see why you like the trenches you have and they each fulfill a different role in your wardrobe. 

    I won't even comment on the BB trench on you.  All that matters is your preferences. 

  • replied 10 years ago

    I think it was worth trying and WHY aren't you wearing that Topliner one all the time?!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    I couldn't agree MORE with your assessments, Natalie. Return these and wear your Kates til they fall apart. That's our Queen Flirty Fun :)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Worth a try. It looks just fine -- but the Kates are you, so why would you want anything less than that?? And Ceit's right. Start wearing that beige one more often. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Brilliant realizations in this exercise Natalie so worth every moment trying the BB's on. For you, the BB's don't hold a candle to your KS's!

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Natalie, you are so wise, love your reasoning! You already have 3 amazing trenches which suit your personality to a tee - and this minimalist trench does not. < standing ovation>

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    That anthro coat is beautiful!

  • DonnaF replied 10 years ago

    Does this mean you are rethinking the Burberry trench?  Seeing the BB next to all your other trenches side by side really highlights and magnifies your personal style.  It is also a warning to me that no matter how much I admire your style and am tempted to copy you, I think my style is ultimately more masculine so I would only create closet orphans.  Thanks for this lesson!

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Yep, I see what you mean. You need a feminine flair in your outerwear!

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Well, I haven't posted pix but I don't think it's a keeper for me either.  I love it but my husband didn't, and he rarely expresses a negative opinion.  Plus it isn't flattering on me in terms of shape - I think it's too rectangular and I don't have a waist to flatter.  Will do pix tomorrow for your opinions. 

    Natalie, your KS trenches are way better on you, and I'm thinking that shape might work better for me objectively.

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    It looks like this was a great lesson in understanding what makes your own style tick!

  • ElleH replied 10 years ago

    Natalie I love the trenches you already own. And if you do decide you want a Burberry oneday they have some that are more girly.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Thanks everyone! I guess this was worth it if it gets me to appreciate and wear the trenches that I have more often! Plus it helps me understand my style better.

    I definitely will pull out the beige trench and the red trench more. I think part of the reason I haven't been wearing them is because of the season and partly because all my coats are in the upstairs closet so it's a little bit "out of sight, out of mind". In contrast, I use my black trench so often that it's hanging on the peg rack by the door.

    Donna and Elle, yes I think if I ever go for a Burberry trench, it would have to be burgundy sateen or something else with a ladylike twist. I love those quilted peplum jackets too. I agree, I get swayed by things looking so fab on other members, but I have to keep in mind that my style might not be exactly the same as theirs and what works on them might not work on me.

    Una, too bad about the BB trench on you, but I could totally see you in a fit and flare trench. Mine all seem to have a flare too--I think it helps balance out my thicker apple middle and looks more ladylike.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Yes, I think you're right. It looks "fine", but that not the same thing as looking like "you." Doesn't bring the life out in you...

  • replied 10 years ago

    We are Kate Spade girls. Send them back!

  • MNsara replied 10 years ago

    haha, Zap:  'we are Kate Spade girls'  :-)

    But good learning experience, GP!   I think it's flattering, but much more conservative than your usual feminine flair, so you nailed the difference!

    Una, I don't see you flourishing in this type of traditional, conservative classic either!  Your trench needs to have more spunk/UWP! 

    If either of your jobs, or something, seemed to necessitate something this traditional, that would be a different story. . .

  • Irene replied 10 years ago

    That trench is boring on you, especially next to your fabulous outerwear choices!!

  • saramir replied 10 years ago

    Nothing to add except that I love your KS Topliner! Thanks for this post.

  • T-Rex replied 10 years ago

    OK, was it a happy accident that you ended up with a dress, bag, and coat lining in the same (reverse) print? Or are they all from the same designer?

    I'm kinding of hoping it was an accident...I love stuff like that.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Haha T-Rex, yes, I am Queen Matchy Matchy. I have a bunch of things in that Kate Spade Florence Broadhurst Japanese floral print: the sheath dress, the purse, the trench coat with the lining, a pair of sneakers, a laptop sleeve and an iPad sleeve. All bought around the same time, when they went on sale. I even drove an hour away to get the trench coat on sale for 50% off! I bought everything on separate trips...but that would have been really funny to get everything all at once. I would have loved to see the look on the SA's face if I did that!

  • harmonica replied 10 years ago

    Great lesson! Good to appreciate the fun and happy trenches you have. Thanks for the tutorial ;-)

  • rute replied 10 years ago

    I don't like the BB trench that much on you! The fit of the trench in 11 (with an A-line) is much better.
    You did well in sending it back!

  • T-Rex replied 10 years ago

    The navy trench is perfectly fine...but the other trenches that you already own have so much more flare.

    I agree with you that the beige one with the piping (and that cool lining) deserves to be seen more often. It's pretty fab. Work on putting together some outfits for that one!

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