It worked well with jeans and a sweater, so I figured go for something tricky. Skinny legs and a dazzling print.

Love it! I’ve held the trench up against a wide array of closet items and it works with almost everything. Some notable exceptions – lime green neon jeans. I might be able to make it work with a black top, but that’ll be the only way. No brainers are red and jewel tones. I wonder how often I can wear this thing before The Princess demands that I put something else on.

For about a decade I’ve been wanting a cream coloured, mid length, double breasted trench coat, with thick black piping, and sleeve detail. I’d searched on and off and kept my radar up, but hadn’t found anything quite right. They were unlined, the piping was too thin, it wasn’t double breasted, it was too crazy expensive, it just wasn’t right enough. I even tried to sew one myself with pretty embarrassing results. And then I received the new line up KateSpade.com email, and there it was. A little more of a flared hem than I envisioned, but otherwise pretty damn perfect. The price was decent – except of course that I’ve been on a crazed shopping rampage, so yet another big ticket item was daunting. But – I bought it anyway. It’s as close to perfect as I’ve seen, trench weather has arrived, and dammit, I just wanted it. I’m done shopping for a long while though!

The Topliner Trench of awesomeness arrived a couple days ago, and after an intense bout of mediocre ironing, it was ready to make its debut. I think it’s gorgeous and I’m going to wear the hell out of it! I tried it first with an absolutely basic outfit – dark jeans and a black turtleneck – in order to see the trench stand on its own, and I think it does. I’m pretty sure I could wear this over anything and it would work awesomely.

I really like how this trench is cut. The seams are placed perfectly for a flattering fit on just about any figure. There is no vertical shoulder line seam, instead the sleeves are attached at an angle – imagine the arm openings on a halter top. This makes the shoulder line – the most important place for a jacket/coat to fit – a non issue. If your chest/back/arm hole fits, the shoulder is just going to rest nicely across – whoo hoo!! If this thing ever goes on sale I’m going to buy a second one, either in a larger size (in anticipation of middle age spread) or in my current size to dye another colour.

In conclusion – I LOVE THIS TRENCH!