Fashion blogs
I love fashion blogs. I follow so many that I get so caught up and forget I’m working. Here are a few that I absolutely love:
This first one is Childhood Flames. It is full of fantastic pictures of clothes. Everything she finds is stylish and unique. I love, love, love looking at the photos that are posted. Sometimes, you get a glimpse of her and you can tell that everything looks good on her as well! Maybe that’s why she has such great fashion sense?
Childhood Flames Blog
Check out this one, Already Pretty. There are so many fun and wonderful clothes featured on this blog. Beyond that, I love the tips on how to stay stylish, especially for you budget fashionistas out there.
This next blog,Couture Carrie is so fantastic. I love how she picks one thing and shows a ton of different ones in different colors, styles and from different designers. She also shows different looks so you can see how you would wear it.
Couture Carrie Blog
This next blog, Simply Lovely, is exactly that. It is so lovely. I find so many fantastic things to add to my wardrobe. They are all classic and beautiful and I am inspired by her sense of style.
What are your favorite fashion blogs? What blogs do you follow? What do you read daily and get excited about seeing? What blogs show you things you are so obsessed with that you look at the items again and again until you decide to buy them? Share them here!
Filed Under Fashion blogs | 2 Comments
Types of Trench Coats
When you buy your trench coat, you have a significant decision to make. What style of coat should you buy? Do you want a long or short one? Do you want a single or double breasted coat? Do you want a coat that is more trendy or one that is more classic? Below are the main types of trench coats and details about them.
Short trench
Nordstrom short trench
The short trench coat is very easy to wear around. You can wear it into the summer since it serves as a great lightweight jacket. It matches with almost everything, dresses and pants, boots and heels. Designers usually make them in a variety of colors every season since they are more trendy and fun to wear. Also, short trenches are usually cheaper. One caveat – the short trench won’t cover as much as the long trench. So, for those of you who like to wear longer shorts, you might want to avoid the short trench since the shirt will peek out of the bottom and look quite funny under the trench.
Knee length trench
Knee length trench from Spiegel
Knee length trench coats are the most common kind sold, if you’re looking for something long. This coat will usually hit around the knee, although if you are a bit taller or shorter, that length will change. The knee length coat is very flattering for a woman as it lets you show a bit of leg, but not too much. It also has a great silhouette since the belt at the waist cinches in and then flows out from there, similar to a dress, but sleeker. The coat is very slimming and you can match it with many different things, from dresses to pants to leggings to boots. For men, the knee length coat is also very useful since it is long enough to cover a jacket underneath, but also doesn’t overwhelm.
Jessica London calf length trench
Calf length
– Calf length trench coats are very rare, although they are sold by some designers. These basically fall below the knee but above the ankle. They are good if you want the full coverage of a full length coat, but don’t want the trouble of the coat dragging around or hitting your shoes.
Long trench coat from Spiegel
Full length to the floor
– Full length trench coats that hit the floor are oftentimes hard to find. Designers tend not to make as many and not as many women look for these. On top of that, unless you are the standard 5’6’’ height that designers tend to make clothes for, the coat will be way too long on you. If you are taller than 5’6’’, the coat may tend to hit your calves and you will end up with more of a calf length coat. If you are looking for a full length coat, make sure you are prepared to be patient and are ready to shop around for awhile.
For men, the full length coat is fantastic for covering and protecting your entire suit from head to toe. Shorter men should try to avoid the full length coat since it could drown you. The same is true for shorter women.
Trench coat dress
Nordstrom trench dress
Trench coat dresses are the perfect new trench coat style for women. Most recently seen on stars like Katie Holmes when she is out walking around the city, these trench dresses are fitted like a regular trench coat above your waist, but then flare out from the belt on. The flare makes the jacket look just like a dress, and the woman ends up looking very chic and feminine. This style can be more forgiving for women with larger bottom halves since the flare disguises the butt and hips. This coat is also really fun to wear since it is a whole outfit in and of itself. You might not want to take off your coat if you find a great trench coat dress that fits you well.
Double breasted or single breasted
Double breasted trench
Most trench coats come in the double breasted style although recently, many designers are making more single breasted coats in response to high demand. The double breasted trench coat is the classic kind seen in most traditional trench coats designed by Burberry, Coach and other famous brands. It wraps fully across the chest and provides extra protection for clothes underneath. The single breasted trench coat usually buttons in the middle so there is less overlap. This style is often-times more slimming since you don’t have the double buttons running across the chest. The style does not look as distinct as a traditional trench coat, but is flattering in its own way. Try on both to see which suits your style best. Some say that the single breasted trench is recommended for women with fuller busts, however, this is not always true. Many times, designers have made the double breasted coat just as slimming. Therefore, it really depends on the style you prefer.
Filed Under Buying a trench coat | 1 Comment
How to style a trench coat
Wearing a trench coat makes a definite statement. How you wear one makes an even bigger statement.
Trench coat style
First, will you button the coat or leave it unbuttoned? A buttoned up coat covers what you are wearing inside and gives you the sleek silhouette that the designer was trying to create. A buttoned look brings everything together. The open, unbuttoned look is more casual and is also more masculine when a man does it. Think of all of the gun fighters in movies that you see. When they come out fighting, their trench coats are unbuttoned and make them look like an even bigger force. On the other hand, an unbuttoned trench can also look very messy and careless. Consider where you are going with your coat and the type of statement you want to make before buttoning or unbuttoning the coat. Also, you can hardly ever go wrong with buttoning it up.
Styling a trench coat
Second, think about how you want to wear the belt. Will you belt it at all? For most women, that belt will make you look better since it will give you a waist. However, do you belt it in the traditional way or will you tie it in a more stylish way? The traditional way is just looping it through the belt buckle, however, the more fashionable way is tying it like Burberry does with their trenches – a double knot with the 2 ends of the belt so the belt dangles a little.
Third, think about the collar. If you are trying to be a bit more stylish, turn it up slightly. If you want to be more conservative, make sure it is down.
Fourth, think about the sleeves. Again, the more stylish way is to scrunch them up a bit. This makes the relaxed sleeve more fitted on your body. Remember, this only works if you are wearing short sleeves underneath. Do not do this if you are wearing a long sleeve or shirt.
Finally, what outfit will you pair it with underneath? What type of shoes will you be wearing? Many famous stars have been shown wearing knee high boots or pointed toe heels. Pants usually look great under short and long trenches since they elongate they balance out the broader feeling of the coat. Also, consider the colors you are wearing. If you have a more conservative color trench, consider pairing it with brighter color shoes or even a bright scarf, purse or hat. The trench coat can be dressed up or down depending on how you feel. Most of all, put your own style twist on it and have fun wearing it.
Below are five more ways to wear the trench coat:
Like Audrey Hepburn: Trench coat + Full length skirt + ballet flats + silk scarf + soft t-shirt
Out to dinner: Trench coat + designer jeans + stilettos + chunky jewelry
To the office: Trench + tailored pants + button down shirt + classic pumps
Night on the town: Trench + tights + ankle boots + chunky gold heels + metallic bangles
Out around town: Trench + chunky boots + sunglasses + warm scarf
Filed Under Trench coat styles | 3 Comments
Burberry trench coat
Founded in 1856, Burberry is a British luxury fashion company known for its distinctive black, white and red pattern. This pattern is called the haymarket check or the “Burberry classic check” and was first used as the lining for their famous trench coat. Although the Burberry trench coat is a bit more expensive than other trench coats you will find, this trench coat will last for years. The classic cuts and the high quality will last much longer and will never go out of style.
Burberry trench coat
Most of Burberry trench coats will fall fashionably to your knees, although they have made some shorter ones as well. If you are a bit shorter, you will find that the knee length ones hit your calves, but still look great. Since fashion is also important, you will rarely find one that falls all the way to the ground. The best full length one you will find will just ends at your knees. The knee length ones are beautiful and create a gorgeous silhouette. When you wear the coat, you will find that the beauty and distinction of a Burberry trench coat, will make many heads turn and get you many compliments.
Prices range from $695 to upwards of $6000 although most average around $1000. The prices don’t change although once in awhile, you may find a terrific deal at one of their outlet stores. If you do find a deal, snatch it up fast as consumers have been known to be mobbed just to buy one of their items.
Famous Burberry plaid
The beauty of the Burberry trench coat comes in the little details. The buttons are oftentimes engraved black lacquer. The inside comes with the beautiful distinctive lining that is comfortable and gorgeous at the same time. The lining is so beautiful that you will find yourself wanting to take off the coat as often as you put it on. The belt in the middle is oftentimes worn by tying the belt in a special looped manner to enhance the beauty of the coat. Or, it can be worn in the traditional manner just by looping it through.
If you are shopping for a trench coat and you want something that is long lasting, definitely consider Burberry. The coats are fashionable, distinctive, but classic and traditional, all at the same time. The fashion house has been around for more than a century and the distinctive pattern is coveted by women and men all over the world. Wearing a Burberry trench coat will make a statement and enhance your wardrobe for years to come.
Filed Under Where to buy | Leave a Comment
Shopping for trench coats
Shopping mall
Shopping for a trench coat takes some time and patience. The best time is to shop during the Spring clothing season when the most selection can be found. If you are willing to wait until the end of the season you will start to see some heavy discounts . Even half way through the season, I started seeing some great discounts. If you want a trench coat now, be sure to check out these excellent stores.
Coach: This famous designer of handbags and leather goods makes some excellent quality trench coats. Many of their latest trench coats come in Coach’s newest signature patterns. The coats have excellent quality linings and great construction, similar to their excellent bags and accessories. Prices are a bit higher, averaging $600, but the quality is well worth the price.
Burberry: This traditional store is a flagship of the trench coat and has a fantastic assortment of cuts and colours. Worn by many famous movie stars, Burberry trench coats are durable and long lasting. Each detail of the coat is beautifully constructed and creates a fantastic silhouette for everyone who wears one. Burberry trenches are a bit more expensive than other coats and start from approx. $600 to more than $1000. However the price you pay will be worth it. These coats are timeless and will last for a long time.
Overstock.com: This site has tons of trench coats in different styles, colors and sizes. It is an outlet so you will see a lot of different brands come through. Snatch up the item quickly if you are interested because the items cycle through pretty fast. Prices range from less than $50 to over $100.
Nordstrom: This department store, famous for its fantastic customer service and great quality brands carries many different stylish trench coats. If you are looking for a coat that is more trendy and fitted, try this famous department store. If you don’t have one near you, check their online store where you will find almost all of the same great selections. In general, their trench coats come in a lot more colors and styles.
Brooks Brothers: Known for their classic suits, this store carries a number of conservative and classic trench coats. Styles are perfect for wearing to the office and for wearing over suits. Prices are in the mid to high-end range and go from $200 to $700. There are great trench coats for men and women. Just like their suits, a Brooks Brothers trench coat makes a definitive statement.
Spiegel: This store sells most of their items through their famous catalog and through their website. It carries some excellent trench coats for very reasonable prices. Almost all of the prices are around $100. The fashionable coats are made of good material. Here, you will find mostly women’s trench coats.
Other department stores: Other department stores like Macy’s, Sears, Saks and Bloomingdale’s: Most department stores will have a coat area that you can shop in both online and offline. Look in that area if you are looking for a trench coat.
Other boutiques: Almost every designer will make a few trench coats to display each Spring season. If you are looking for a trench, time it right and check out what has come out for that season.
Filed Under Where to buy | Leave a Comment
« go back — keep looking »