First, the Slim trench topper aka the blackwatch plaid trench. I absolutely loved this trench, I usually have a hard time with trenches because they tend to overwhelm me or I find them too classic/boring. This is perfect for my petite figure, probably because of the single-breast style and the short length and the blackwatch pattern is unusual.
I tried my regular coat size 2 and it fits perfectly. Ths is how it looks unbottoned:
As I mentionned on the JCA it is unlined, which isn't a dealbreaker for me, in fact I don't expect a trench to be lined (the Icon is unlined as well and the short Burberry too). The construction of this trench is superb, the fabric is sort of a coated wool (I forgot to check the fabric content but it didn't strike me as something much different or heavier than the Icon. It is definitively a trench and not a coat even if it is wool), it has lapels at the sleeves and a lapel that you can button under the collar. The self-tie belt is the only thing that gave me pause because, as you can see below, it is VERY long. However, thanks God, they made enough holes in the fabric that I can fasten it tight enough to give me a good waist definition, so I only have to find something to do with the loose end, lol (probably put in the pocket):
A new trench was on my "need" list this Fall and I really see myself wearing this one so I put it on hold and I am thinking of taking advantage of the VPS promo that ends this Saturday. However, I bought the Icon when it was promo-priced with 30% off (which made it almost a third of the price of this one) and I have to decide between the two of them. I feel that the Icon is more versatile because a neutral that goes with everything but I am afraid I won't reach for it as much as this one because of the double-breast style. Thoughts?
The other new arrivals that has generated a lot of talks about the prices reaching impossible highs at JCrew this fall is the Collection golden paisley blouse. This one is striking IRL and I immediately grabbed one to take to the fitting room but I had a "Holy cow!" moment when I saw the price. This is one expensive blouse and to be honest for no particular reason: it is unlined and it seems fairly easy to make (unless making cuffs, which is the only detail that requires some sewing skill, has become very expensive) and the silk isn't as heavy as they say in the description, it is just your "regular" silk twill. Pricing it at $200 would be a stretch already but $300 which is more than some of the coats seems crazy. I don't need a blouse like this one (who does?) and I am happy with the silk jaquard keyhole one that I picked up at the sample sale for $49 as a nice evening blouse.
In any case this is, believe it or not, a size 8 (I thought it was a 0 fitting big and when I realized that it was a size 8 I already had sticker shocker so I wasn't motivated to ask for my size. I tried a 2 today and it was still a bit long in the arms, while it was a bit pulling at the hips so I am not even sure that I like the fit that much):
What do you think of these two new arrivals, are you interested in any of them? How much would you spend on a blouse? Please share, I will let you know how much I splurged in Europe on THE blouse in the next post!
Thank you, Ema, for the IRL pics! Not surprised to hear that the paisley blouse doesn't have special fabric or anything. They are off their rocker pricing it at $300!!!
ReplyDeleteThe blackwatch trench looks nice on you. My icon trench is fully lined... but it is older. Weird!
At this point I'd pay nothing as I don't have any crewlade left apparently, this fall just leaves me out, not interested and the prices are crazy.
ReplyDeleteThe trench does look good on you, it really suits your frame. It seems they are making it in the style of a real Mackintosh with the bonded fabric and lack of a lining. It seems that you love it, and if the lack of a lining doesn't bother you maybe you should get this one and return your Icon, even if the Icon was cheap. This one is quite special and you might just feel better wearing it. I wonder if you should get the belt chopped off a bit at the tailor?
My black cotton Icon is lined, like JCRewJD, but mine is quite old, bought the first year they came out. I have two Icon trench coats in the wool and they are also lined, but again I think the reasoning with this trench is that the fabric is specially bonded.
Thanks so much for the reviews Ema. I love reading them even if I am not buying anything.
OK ladies, you got me thinking and I have to take that back: I checked my Icon and it is indeed lined, I was under the impression that it wasn't. It doesn't change the fact that I don't mind a trench being unlined and yes Dani you are on spot, the SA mentionned the Mackintosh and said that it is the JCrew (cheaper) version of that trench.
ReplyDeleteI think the Black Watch is gorgeous and unusual. It looks great on you. I am 5'2 myself, and just talked myself out of a Brooks Brothers trench because it was double breasted. I just felt that there was too much going on in the front, with all of the details and buttonholes. I went to see the trench, but my store did not have it in. Hopefully they will be getting it- it is the concept store, and they usually have most of the Collection pieces. I won't know how I feel about the lining until I see it, but I love the fabric already. Thanks for your very helpful review. I am not even wasting a moments thought on such a pedestrian blouse at such an outrageous price.
ReplyDeleteI can't get over the price of that blouse. It's highway robbery, especially considering that's it just your normal silk twill! Well, my guess is it will make it down to a somewhat reasonable sale price.
ReplyDeleteThe trench looks really nice on you and if you feel great in it, then go with that one over the icon. I like that it's the special fabric, in which case the lack of liner isn't too bad.
Thanks for the reviews!
Thanks for your reviews, Ema! I'm very curious about the Blackwatch trench and was concerned about the lack of lining. I have no concept of how a wool coat could be as thick as a cotton trench or go without lining, so I'll need to see this in person. Your reviews have kept up my hope in this trench though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews, Ema, you always get right to what I want to know about a garment!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reviews.I really like the blackwatch on you and it's something different than the icon. I have an Aquascutum and it's not lined. The blouse is too expensive and I think it will make it's way to the sale section soon. I can't believe the prices now. As usual you get right to the point!!
Hi Ema-Thank you for the great review of the blackwatch trench. It appears to suit you very well and I also vote you keep it, something out of the ordinary to elevate your mood in the nasty weather to come. The blouse is another story, too much money for not much. Of late it seems JC settles on their pricing by throwing darts at a dartboard.
ReplyDeleteNot for me, Black Watch tartan is a no no here as it's so linked to the military and the blouse reminds me too much of Prince but then again, I've never been a big fan of paisley print, though I know most JCA's love it.
ReplyDeleteLove the trench and it looks great on you! I'd keep it and have a tailor shorten the belt. I don't mind an unlined Fall/Spring topper as long as it's made of a nice crisp cotton twill or treated wool. I'd NEVER buy an unlined Winter coat, though...does anyone even make unlined coats?
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew can go kick rocks with the price of that silk blouse. I'm just going to keep pretending that I don't want it and eventually that will be the truth :p
I love the blackwatch trench. Classic and timeless. I especially like that it is single breasted instead of double as I don't need the extra bulk across the bust line. Coat is such a perfect length on you! I'd tailor the belt.
ReplyDeleteIf I hadn't gone so coat crazy last fall/winter I'd totally buy it! (ACK! I long coat, 2 trench coats, 2 jackets)
I'm older than you so that blouse wouldn't be on my radar at all at the risk of looking too old-lady in it. (It just smacks of the 80s Dynasty era Joan Collins-ish for me ) ;) Price is ridiculous.
PS The blouse in CAD is $352 while the coat is $430. Coat wins hands down. No contest.
Thank you for all your comments and input. I just got the trench. With the 20% off it came down to about $300 which seems acceptable for a classic coat. I liked it even more today than the other day (I had the Icon with me and it looked so much sharper on me than the Icon. I definitively do better with darker colors than with the beige tinged with yellow of the Icon).
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you returned the Icon, but I found the color to be off for me. I would double check the color and be sure it looks good w/your skin. And do NOT keep based only on price. Trenches will always be around and who knows where you will find the perfect one. I could've had the Icon for $100 and passed because the collar was just a bit big, plus the color. I adore the blackwatch on you and think it's a perfect fit. Don't look back ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the golden paisley print, but this type of top does not look good on me at all. I wish three was a button down version, like the Hen shirt.
ReplyDeleteI love black watch plaid. However, I could not get past the no lining. Just cannot do it for the price point. I bought 6 trench coats for various seasons when I lived in the U.K. and everyone is lined. Even the more discount store ones. It does help the jacket keep its shape over time. JCrew is cutting corners these days IMO.
ReplyDelete