Transitional Trench

Marlene Dietrich

We are at a seasonal crossroads as "Back to School" looms before us. The transition from Summer to Fall is here. Traditionally a trench coat is a staple for Spring but I get mine out during this season as the nights become cooler. 

Jackie Kennedy

The history of the trench is long, with origins from menswear. The first world wore saw British and French officers wearing this garment in the trenches, hence the name and it has evolved into the closets of fashionable women across the globe.  It's traditional color was Khaki but thankfully has also evolved into dozens of shades and colors. According to Wiki;  Invention of the trench coat is claimed by both Burberry and Aquascutum, with Aquascutum's claim dating back to the 1850s. Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, submitted a design for an Army officer's raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901.

Jane Birkin - Burberry Trench

My personal go-to trench is a Black Michael Kors with a detachable hood and a liner that is also removable but I am intrigued with the trench trimmed in Grosgrain. Since the SJP Shoe Collection I have taken a second look at this fabrication, for those of you that don't know every shoe has a grosgrain detail or trim. The fabric 'gros grain' is characterized by its ribbed appearance and it is a firm, close-woven, fine-corded fabric with strength. You've seen it a lot as ribbon and headbands but trims for coats and shoes? I adore it.

The Greatest of the Grosgrain in the Trenches:

SJP Manhattan Trench Coat Trimmed in Grosgrain - Avail in: Khaki & Navy *SALE: Reg: $495 - ON SALE 60% off $198.90

Vince Camuto. Grosgrain Trimmed 'walking jacket' in Aqua  - SALE: Reg: $136 - $79.99

Ivanka Trump Grosgrain Trimmed Single Breasted Trench in RED  Was $190.00 / Sale: $104

Burberry  - Grosgrain Detailed Trench, $1695

Belt It: Stretch

Stretch belt's are a Fabulous way to define your waist and show off your curves.  They are chic for women of all shapes and sizes. They are a very figure friendly accessory. Pregnant women can also benefit from belting, below or above the bump.

Most Stylish Belted BUMP:

 Tori Spelling

CHICest Curves

CoCo

Stylish Cinching

 Naomi Campbell

Victoria Beckham - Studded Stretch Belt

Ivanka Trump

Many women with curves shy away from this stylish stretch accessory in fear of "looking bigger" when in fact they could not be farther from the truth.  Wearing clothing that are "too big" or really "loose" makes you look BIGGER. A stretch belt is one of the FAB tools in a woman's accessory arsenal, use it to define your shape. Celebrate the shape you have. As pictured above with the celebs - EVERY one's unique shape benefits from a stretch belt!

3 Fun ways to add a little STRRRRETCH to your Style:

1) Pair a solid colour belt with a print.

GET THE LOOK

Vintage Yellow Cello Straw Stretch Belt ~ $22

*Vintage 80's Black & White Polka Dot Romper Coming Soon to Evolution Vintage

2) Style Complimentary Colours together

 (Stay Tuned for my Fashion Colour Wheel Feature)

TIP: Orange & Blue  are "Complimentary Colours" - Opposite on the Colour Wheel.

GET THE LOOK:

 Vintage Rust Blouse with Zig Zag Pattern (from Universal Studios) ~ $35

Vintage Gold Tone "Monogram" Stretch Belt in Navy ~ $25

3) If your belt has mixed colours.

choose ONE and pair with the same solid colour top or pant.

GET THE LOOK:

1960's Red baby doll Mini Dress - Could be styled as a Maternity Top! ~ $55

Vintage 80's Purple Stretch Belt with Hand Painted Wooden Buckle (India) ~ $30

CHECK OUT OTHER STRETCHY SELECTIONS FROM EVOLUTION VINTAGE

Not a Vintage Fan? Check out this Chic Confection from M Missoni - Woven Logo Stretch belt

Do You or Will You Belt It?
Comment below and share your pics!

Writers NOTE: YES ColoUr (I'm Canadian) - I keep getting messages about spelling ;)