Sveta's Blog

I am a lemming or another BR cream trench saga

January 23, 2014

Nancy's post on BR cream trench reminded me how much I want to add a cream coat to my collection. I decided that I cannot deal with wool coat in this color because of the high dry cleaning upkeep but washable  trench would be ideal.
Then there was Emily's post on the same trench and something snapped inside me: even though I decided to have shopping reduce year I had to see that cream trench for myself!...so I caved in and ordered it.
Banana Republic delivery outdid itself this time:  I ordered on Saturday and it arrived on Monday. Of course I pulled it out of the box right away and had to try it on immediately.
My hubby liked it right away which surprised me because the color is as impractical as they come. I really like the color but I am not sure about the fit and fabric. Also I thought the buttons are black but they are tortoise color. I would really like a cream trench with black buttons.

Looking at the pictures I think it maybe too big on me. I am wearing it on top of my leather blazer. It looks like there is too much fabric on the back and on the sides - maybe I should try size down?
I am also not sure about cotton blend fabrication for a trench. My purple London Fog trench which has been a real workhorse for me is not cotton but polyester so it does not wrinkle, water-proof and wind-resistant. I have never owned cotton blend trenches - how do they take the elements?

Anyway I am not sure it is the one for me so most likely I will return it but I am glad I tried it because I know now that I have to have a cream trench in my life, just not sure this is the right one... 

Would you care to vote what do you think: Yay - keep, Nay - return

Thanks!

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

35 Comments

  • greycat6 replied 10 years ago

    I really like it on you!  The length and sleeve length look just right and the color does good things for your complexion.  :)  The fit across the back and sides look OK to my eye.  Most importantly, how does it feel on? 

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    I think it looks gorgeous on you, Sveta!
    It doesn't look too big to me, but if you're in doubt you could always try the size down just to be sure. 
    I would think that a cotton/polyester blend would wash well and be very practical. 

    I'm kind of shocked that you're not sure about this one, because it looks so good, but if it doesn't seem right to you, then I guess you should return it. But if you ask me, I would say a huge KEEP!

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Keep! The fit looks good to me. And the colour is gorgeous on you too. The buttons can be replaced ... But I have no idea about the fabric and weather issues. I think that would make or break the decision to keep.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I knew it!! I knew it!! I KNEW you would order this. 

    Guess why?

    No, I did not order it myself, but it was all I could do to sit on my hands all weekend and stop myself. I think I deserve a medal, although perhaps not, because I still might spring for it in the end. 

    Honestly, I think it looks terrific on you. But there is no harm in comparing another size. As for the fabric, it sounds durable to me. I do see the potential wrinkling issue, and it does look as if it has wrinkled some in the package. But what about hanging it in the bathroom to see if those wrinkles steam out easily? 

    I will check my London Fog trench tomorrow; I believe it is a cotton poly blend. But it is black, so another kettle of fish. 

  • maar replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous!

  • Gigi replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I too really want a cream coat in my wardrobe! I almost ordered the trench as well. I think the only thing that stopped me was that they didn't have the cream color in petites' sizing--just navy. Or maybe that was another coat that someone posted...can't remember. My brain is frozen from the cold.

    I don't think the coat looks bad for fit, but I don't think it looks great either. It's just not doing it for me for some reason. I would try a size down just to be sure. As for the buttons, you could have those replaced without too much trouble.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    I agree this is gorgeous in principle, but the little details seem to be bothering you. I think you should try the smaller size unless you would always wear something like the leather blazer underneath. The buttons could be changed. The material sounds similar to a Gap trench I once had and it wore well, but that is hard to assess from pictures.

  • Jan replied 10 years ago

    This looks very flattering on you. Yay.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    I agree--you need a coat like this, Sveta! It is gorgeous on you. I like the fit as it is. Length, sleeve length, shoulders all seem good. Does it have a removable lining? And if so, are you wearing it with or without the liner? Just asking because that can add some bulk underneath.

    It's worth trying another size, if you feel it's too big. The next size down might only have about an inch less room, so it could be hard to tell the difference in photos--it's more about how you feel and how it looks to you in real life.
    Also I like the idea of tortoise buttons for a slightly softer more tonal look, but it's also a little more of a preppy look, perhaps. And yes, buttons can be changed, but it adds time and money to your purchase. 

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Well I think it looks completely fabulous on you, and I even like the crispness of the cotton. It's not the same as your other trench, but I suppose it's up to you whether the change is good or bad. Looks wise, I do love the pop the rigidity of the fabric gives the collar and how it plays off your long neck.

  • bj1111 replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, you will love this coat. I have the same in the traditional khaki. It does wrinkle more than a poly/poly blend, but it stayed crisp enough through two seasons of heavy use.

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    Hi Sveta! So timely for me this post, see below:-)).

    I totally understand your desire to add a cream coat to your wardrobe, as this was exactly the same wish I had from the moment I saw Angie's here on the blog, years ago! Then, I searched for years, and didn't find one which worked for me, for various matters, but my main concern was the same as yours, about the fabric. I too have liked much more my wool, poly, PU, coated or say having a bit of shine versions than matte cotton itself for anything outerwear. And, eventually found it only last week! It's not a regular trench-which I don't really mind, as too much white can possibly make a huge block of me. It's rather a (premium)pleather coat to my lower hips(so maybe too casual?). Lacking the time  I was not posting it yet and still thinking  k/r  mainly whether this length is more practical and useful for my life or not without sacrifying polish. 

    About your trench here:- if the fabric  makes friends with you, I like the  color, and the cut very much, and I find it a very good fit (don't see it too big, but you have to know better how it feels) and you can always change the buttons to black if you want:-).

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  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    Only reading other comments, now, and YESSS, Suz, You need one of these for you, too!:-)

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    Oh how well I understand the "reduced shopping - then I caved" comment! I think it looks great in this size (a little loose fitting but that's OK in a coat) but I would compare the size down - especially if you're already wearing a bulky item underneath. How does it fit in the shoulders when you move your arms? How about when you sit down, does it bunch up or pull? 

    My trench is 57% cotton and 43% poly, and it doesn't wrinkle at all.

    And btw, you had me at "tortoise buttons" - I adore those! Does it have a removable lining? I might have to be a lemming too...oh wait, I am also doing reduced shopping...but then again....

  • replied 10 years ago

    I like it! I think you should try one size down for comparison. The cotton should hold up well to washing and you can spray it with waterproofing spray.

  • Emily replied 10 years ago

    Oh Sveta, queen of winter white, it looks gorgeous on you.  I vote yay.  As I recall, it was labelled as being water resistant on the tags?

  • El Cee replied 10 years ago

    You look absolutely stunning in that cream trench! Hope you decide to keep it. The fit looks fine to me, but it certainly would not hurt to try the next size down for comparison sake.

  • Aquamarine replied 10 years ago

    This is gorgeous on you! I think the fit is good. The color looks good against your complexion, at least on my monitor. I have a 70% cotton 30% polyester trench and it gets a little wrinkly but I prefer it to a more slick look. I do consider it a more casual topper. Can you hold onto it for a while and try on others for comparison sake?

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    Yes, absolutely amazing! Try one size down for comparison but I suggest adding this to your fab wardrobe.
    I made the mistake of buying a cream wool coat from BR last year and am now realizing that the dry cleaning costs would run high for that.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Lyn - thank you for enabling, and I love your new jacket! It does look on the casual side to me -- a bit "sporty" -- but in a good way. I think it is something you might use a lot. Probably better with trousers than skirts, though? I hope you do a K/R on it. 

    Sveta, hoping you will order the other size for comparison. 

  • missvee replied 10 years ago

    The colour is amazing and the size looks good to me. But it's worth trying the smaller one of course. You can always adjust the button placement too.

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Sveta- only you can decide if this is the one.  That said, you look gorgeous in this color and style, perhaps allowing sorting out the proper size to solve the whole dilemma.  I love it buttoned- vital in your climate!

    As to the tortoise shell buttons, they read black on my screen, though don't have the "real life" view you do.  I am a black/white wearer with almost no brown in my wardrobe, yet I think that in some ways, the tortoise buttons allow for greater versatility in your looks and could actually pick up some other tones, without preventing you from creating a graphic black/white vibe in your outfits. 

    Good luck with your decision!

  • Raisin replied 10 years ago

    This looks absolutely amazing on you!  I do think the fit looks great, but seeing a different size would make it easier to compare.  If you keep this one, you can rest assured knowing it looks terrific.  

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    I think it looks gorgeous on you! The fit looks fine to me, but if you need to try another size, I think it would be worthwhile. I personally like my trenches a *little* bit roomy so I can layer underneath -- my Burberry fits fine but a little extra room would come in handy sometimes, I must admit. How does this look without the extra jacket underneath, and how would you most often be wearing a trench?

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I think this looks good.  If you go a size down, won't the sleeves be too short in length?  This is a great color for a trench. 

  • cuffcat replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing! I think the fit is spot on. Might have to get one of these, too.

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    I love it on you, Sveta, although I do wonder what the next size down would be like. It's really gorgeous on you. Amazing.
    I'm soooo tempted for myself, as I don't think I will be able to afford the luxury dream item this year (Burberry) and this is so fab -- but like you, I worry about wrinkling as I travel so much. Do you have any more thoughts on how well this cotton blend will stand up compared to the poly?

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Did you try a size down too? 

  • carambola replied 10 years ago

    I think it looks fantastic on you, but why not also try the next size down so you don't have to wonder about it?

  • nancylee replied 10 years ago

    As the one who got the BR cream trench ball rolling this season, I feel obligated to chime in!  This looks fab to my eye, Sveta.  I wonder if your worries about it looking too big could possibly be related to the light color?  I'm thinking of Karie's recent post on the white shoes that looked too big.  She worried that her feet looked "mutant" in them.  :)

    Do you think the cream color makes you feel "bigger" in some way?  Could it be a matter of adjusting your eye?  Maybe some other owners of cream coats could weigh in on this!

    I suppose you could try a smaller size, as Angie and others have suggested.  For comparison, my BR trench is a S and I'm a 4-6 in most brands.  

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Thank you for your opinions - what would I do without YLF sisterhood?
    Seeing so many positive responses I decided to try it on again and look for a smaller size in the store for a comparison. Bad news is that out tiny BR store in the mall (the only one in the city) does not have those trenches in any color so I could not try it.
    The good news is that I tried this size again tonight and I think it is the right one: the shoulder fit is spot on. It has a bit of extra fabric on the back which made me think I need to size down. So I am still mulling this over, maybe I will steam it out to see how I feel then.
    There is also an option to order it from US site in Tall - t will add 2" to the length but I am not sure I need it. Even with extra 2" it will not reach my knees so maybe this length is actually better?
    Suz, you are stronger than I am  :-) but if I keep mine you would need to get one too!
    Firecracker / Karie, it is lined but no removable liner. It is really a very light trench which is fine for me because my current purple trench has a liner and heavier in weight.
    lyn67, great cream coat for you! Isn't it liberating to wear impractical light colors in outerwear - loving it!
    Lisa, it is a good point about sleeves possibly too short in size down. I am pretty happy these sleeves are good length - this is what bothered me about my London Fog trench - shorter sleeves.
    Viva, i have no idea about the durability of this fabrication :-(
    Nancy, I wear cream puffer for the last 4 seasons so I assure you I am used for light outerwear :-)
    I think I am going to "sleep" on it for some time until I can make up my mind :[_

    Thank you all so much for your help!!!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Heheh...I have 40% off today, should I spring for it??? Do I need it??? 

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Do you need it? Maybe no...but this is not the point! Spring away!
    How come you have 40% if I have 30%? :-(

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    I like it but vote for considering trying in Tall and the smaller size- just for comparison if you can?

  • Jules replied 10 years ago

    I too like the tortoise buttons. They are reading near-black but warm. Maybe it depends on your spring footwear and bags.

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