Firmly ‘En-Trenched’…

“I don’t know what it is, but I always manage to feel just a little bit Audrey Hepburn-esque when I wear a trench coat.”  — Kerrie Hess

Trench coats are absolutely timeless, and this is a ‘true story’ because they’ve been around since WWI!  I think women adore the fact that it cinches and emphasises one’s waist, and that they are quite elegant and dressy, but will cooperate with your casual clothes without any fuss.

Personally, nothing says springtime more (wardrobe-wise) than a trench coat and a pair of ballet flats.  Just to be clear, I don’t buy a new trench coat every spring –that would be slightly ridiculous! — but I do indulge in a new pair of ballerina shoes.

Focusing on the trench coat though, I have dreamed of owning one since I was a little girl – it was the ultimate grown-up, young lady’s coat to me, full of sophistication and polish.  My dreams have not changed much, it seems, because I grew up to buy two!  (So far.  Yes, still trying to steer away from being utterly ridiculous…)  And I will always feel elegant and mysterious and grown-up in mine.

Dress:  Simons Twik funnel collar pinstripe navy dress (2012)

Coat: Mackage ‘Edmi’ trench coat in storm (2012)

Ring:  Goodnight Macaroon 14K gold plated “Infinity” Knot thin ring in Rose (2013)

Gloves:  Carolina Amato bow driving gloves (2009)

Umbrella:  Fulton ‘Bubbles’ (2013)

Some tips:

• Some people say your trench coat should be longer than the hem of your skirts, unless you’re wearing a mini-trench.  I beg to disagree.  Take care to look at yourself carefully in the mirror, but skirts CAN peek out from underneath your trench coat and still look cute.  Not too much that the coat looks short, and not too little that the ensemble looks untidy, though.
• Whatever you do, don’t buy a trench coat that makes you look like you played dress-up in mommy’s wardrobe.  It has to be fitted –but not too fitted that it could be mistaken for a dress!
• If you’re busty like I am, smaller lapels help balance things out on top.
• Try tying the belt instead of buckling it –into a simple knot, a full bow, or half a bow… whatever strikes your fancy!
• Already have a classic trench?  Resist the urge to buy a trendy piece for fun –instead, look for a classic silhouette with updated details such as leather trims, a pretty lining, or fancier buttons.
• POP that collar!!

And the highlight of my week is the fact that I was asked to write an article for Adornabelle, a site started by my friend Chantel from Beautiful Song, and the aim is to be a site that gives advice on how to be both fashionable and modest — where brand names aren’t important, and one’s wardrobe is simply an echo of one’s inner beauty.  My article went live this morning, so I hope you’ll go and take a look at a more in-depth expounding of a trench coat’s virtues and how to buy the right one for you.

How to Choose a Classic Trench Coat

Please do take a look at the other articles as well –each one has been so inspiring, and I’ve learned a few things and added a few items to my wishlist along the way –those Lilla Rose flexi hairclips, for example!

Stay stylish… and happy, sunny days to you all!

xoxo,

— Miss Cathie