when my friend miss doris found a burberry trench at the goodwill for $6, i was not only jealous i made up my mind that i'd find one too. that was over 2 years ago. maybe it's because i'm in southern california, but trench coats, let alone burberry, are few and far between in the second-hand market here. when i lost weight, my london fog no longer fit, and i've been freezing my behind off since.
so after talking it over with a couple of j. crew experts, dani and tabitha, who both gave it a big thumbs up, i started looking at the j. crew icon trench. at $298 before taxes and shipping it was way less than my elusive burberry. we have a burberry outlet not far from us and even there they run upwards of $1200.
and since the j. crew icon trench, which is a "collection" piece, is reportedly made from the same japanese fabric that the burberry is, $300 seems quite the value.
i started scouring ebay everyday looking for one and came across one selling for $140 with free shipping.
i quickly purchased it and i'm glad i did.
i quickly purchased it and i'm glad i did.
i believe the coat fits true to size. i would probably wear a size 2 in this but i did get a 4 b/c i wanted to be able to layer underneath it.
unbelted
love the back vent and storm flap
it has quickly turned into my favorite coat. it seems to go with everything i own.
the best part about it is how it makes whatever i have on look quite chic.
overall i am very impressed with the detailing, the quality of the fabric and the beautiful lining. it fits true to size and i feel that the price honestly reflects the craftsmanship of the garment.
i think even at full price it would be worth it.
ok, now go have a good day.
xo
janet
Lovely. You are so tiny!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I have the Banana Republic version.
ReplyDeleteHi, sooooo pleased to have stumbled across your lovely blog,
ReplyDeleteThe most stylish ladies always shop in the best shops. I adore
Your elegant style..... stunning!
I think it looks fabulous on you. I recently bought my daughter a London Fog in dark teal, and it is amazing on her. While shopping trenches, though, I found a beautiful charcoal one with pink satin lining at the gap. It's probably on sale now. Lastly, I will make you very glad that you didn't buy Burberry> Despite their cunning plaid, I have boycotted them because they sell tons of fur. YUCK. So there.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it! It's fabulous on you. Isn't the fabric so dreamy? My black one is now 2 or 3 years old and it has held up so well, it looks new and I've worn that thing everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThanks for calling me an expert, not sure that's deserved, goofball is more like it!
It's almost 80 here today, I feel like I'm in California.
xo
You look terrific in that trench!
ReplyDeletewhat can I say that I haven't said before ....
ReplyDeleteit looks great on you! you're so grounded and smart with things...guess that's why I lean on you so much. :)
GREAT deal. I need to keep my out on ebay now!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look so good in your trench, the length's far cooler than the traditional version!
ReplyDeleteI did find a Burberry's original at a jumble sale but I looked like Inspector Clouseau in it, which wasn't a great look. x
You never cease to amaze me!
ReplyDeleteJanet, That is "The" coat. perfect on you. You will be styling and looking great. Smiles to you, Susie(She Junks)
ReplyDeleteFabulous trench !
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous and this will be a great go to classic.
I always purchase coats a size larger. Terrific find!
ReplyDeleteThe trench is very stylish and looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you've seen Dominique Brownings blog www.slowlovelife.com I think it's something you might like. Oh, and despite the title, it's not about her love life!
Cheers! Jean from Maine
Excellent review, Janet! The trench looks gorgeous on you! I also own the same one from J.Crew and completely agree with you regarding the detailing and quality. Plus, like you said, it makes whatever you are wearing look incredibly chic. :)
ReplyDeleteI do like the natty way you've knotted the belt so tightly.
ReplyDeleteOnce I've lost weight I'll be channelling you and doing the same!
I think you look marvelously elegant! Now I will start trolling ebay for one...
ReplyDeleteI love it! I recently bought an Eddie Bauer Christine Trench and love it! I went for they all sizing and am so glad I did! I love it and feel very chic in it!
ReplyDeleteTheir tall sizing is what I meant to type!
DeleteHi Janet...you are never out of style.
ReplyDeleteLove your new trench and I think you should be on the lookout for a cool pair of avaitor sunglasses (did I spell that right)
the perfect combo
xx kelley
well first time here and i find myself;
ReplyDeletea) wishing i was a size 2
b) dreaming about southern california
c) liking what i see
d) subscribing
best!
debra
A good coat always does it doesn't it? That's what I miss about the cold weather, a good pair of boots and a hot coat you're good to go.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't already 80 degrees here I'd think about the trench....I might anyway.
xo J.
your review is great and you look fantastic!!! Love this coat on you, you are right, it makes everything chic.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and timeless piece!
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful and indeed very chic. The coat looks fabulous on you. Definitely well worth it and you will have it forever. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely coat, and you look terrific. So jealous of your svelte shape! I have an a-line jacket I love that is classic as well, black with a stand up collar. I wore it 6 years ago during a trip to France... while at a flea market, a French lady held a dress up to her body, and starting talking to me--in French of course. I think she was asking me how it would look on her, but I'll never know. I just laughed to myself, enjoying the chance to be French for a moment!
ReplyDeleteColleen
Classically composed Janet, that's you! I bought a short black trench jacket at forever 21 for $32 and I love it.
ReplyDeleteI wished that it came in tan but alas, black was the only color.
I did spot a few Burberry trenches in a local 2nd hand shop however they were much more than $6.
pve
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteOur Goodwills here in San Diego are way overpriced. I saw a Old Navy shirt one day recently for $6. I thought to myself "are you high"?
I think I need to go to your Goodwill!!
I love your investment (so you) and it's perfect for So. Cal weather. It's on my wish list, I've been wanting one for awhile now.
Linda
xo
Janet,
ReplyDeleteLove your trench! That's my favorite length for a coat. I have two Burberry's and they are both just too short...and it drives me crazy that I was such a poor shopper. My daughter at 17 never let's me make those mistakes anymore...thank goodness. Your trench looks great...very chic indeed!
xo
annie
You look so glam. I splurged on a trench a few years ago and get lots of use out of it when I go to New York . I always feel chic in it.
ReplyDeleteVery worth it! I must get one too!
ReplyDelete-Suzanne in Illinois
Absolutely love your trench Janet! Looks great on you. I'm sure you'll wear it a ton. Love J Crew!
ReplyDeleteKim:)
Looks great but unfortunately they're manufactured in sweat shops. Shame you couldn't have thought about the ethical view. While people continue to ignore this for the sake of wearing a "designer" name nothing will change.
ReplyDeleteSimone
one more thing simone, the computer you are typing on was most likely made in a sweatshop too.
Deletesimone, i did think about the ethical view. i did not buy this b/c of the designer name. i bought this b/c it is well made and will last me forever, it was 2nd hand and in my price range.
ReplyDeleteI love the coat on you and think the length is perfect. I have a long Burberry trench that I bought at a designer second hand sale held once a year. I love it but would never pay retail for it. At the end of the day, it's just another trench and I would be so sick if something happened to it if I paid full price.
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy your purchase for many years!
Simone have you done any research on JCrew? Did you know that in fact they have a Responsible Sourcing Program? Many manufacturers do not bother, but they do. Here is the link: http://www.jcrew.com/flatpages/social_responsibility_resourcing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302048661&bmUID=1332704710733
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you read that and you might feel that you a little quick to do a little misplaced shaming of Janet.
Janet I hope you don't mind me pointing this out!
dani to the rescue! i had no idea j. crew had this program in place. thanks so much for sharing. you should do a post on this dani!
DeleteWell said Dani thanks for sharing that info with us all :) Sometimes it is hard to know who to buy from for the best.
DeleteI've long held the belief that buying second hand like janet did with this jacket is the most ethical thing to do because it is prolonging the life of a garment that would otherwise become landfill, and another would have to be made in its place...........where's the ethical sense in that!!!!
@ Simone whilst I applaud your sentiment and desire to be ethical this is a second hand garment and therefore IS ETHICAL.........we are all on the same side.......its not very sensible to go around attacking your allies so to speak.
Janet -
ReplyDeleteYou DO DO the most ethical and responsible things! Reuse, Renew, Recycle - that is being socially responsible.
Maria
I'm a long time reader and I have to say I love your blog! This post inspired me to go on Ebay and look for the same trench, I have been looking for a trench for a while and had given up. Sooooooo, I got mine for $150 and I was thrilled! It is gorgeous! Oh and FYI I worked for J Crew for about 8 years and their quality is amazing and as a bonus they were a WONDERFUL company to work for. I still buy their clothes even though I no longer get a discount (sob). So just ignore the haters about the sweatshop thing. They don't know what they're talking about. Regards, Jenny (who didn't mean to be anonymous but I have never commented on a blog before.)
ReplyDelete