Trench Quest, Part II - Burberry Kids sz 12

Ever since I started blogging, I've been slowly distancing myself from the kids department. The kiddie section is great for bargains, but 90% of the time there is something about the garment that just says "KIDS." This month, however, I was lured in by Burberry's selection of (relatively) affordable kids trench coats. Many readers have been asking about the fit of these, so I ordered a few (3, to be exact!) in the name of experimentation.

 Trench: Burberry Girls Mini Ivybridge, sz 12Y / 152cm (adult version sold here)

Jeans: H&M kids sz 11/12

I picked up the Mini Ivybrdige in sz 12Y/152cm (my height exactly!) for $475. In comparison, the adult Ivybridge sells for $995. This one fit the best out of the three. Continue reading for my review...

Material: the trench material (53% cotton, 37% poly) is much more in line with what I am looking for (unlike the Nordstroms coat) but it was still a little off. The material didn't seem like it was treated with any water-resistant coating, and it looked like spills or stains could easily seep in and settle. It also seemed wrinkle-prone.

Cut/style: Aside from having no defined waist, this cut is pretty much exactly what I want. Very classic look, nicely-proportioned collar & lapel, gun flap (in the kids coat descriptions, they call this a "fun flap"...lol!), and buckle detailing.

Fit: Shoulder width and sleeve length were perfect. The torso, however, was quite boxy when un-belted (see pic below). Measurements showed that there was NO difference between the underarm and waist, so the body was just straight up and down (surefire sign of a kids coat). If I were to keep this, I would need the sleeves slimmed, maybe the waist nipped in, and possibly the length shortened.

Measurements: Slimmer than the womens' 2P from Nordies. 17" across at the underarms, 17" across at the waist, 20" across the bottom. 36" total length, 22" sleeve length, 6" sleeve width, 14.5" shoulder width.

 Trying it on with flats:

Special notes: 

1. The belt was a measly 35 inches long (the belt on my raincoat is 56 inches) and it was attached at the back center (see below pic), so you couldn't move it around. There were also no prongs nor belt holes in the belt.

2. I called the Burberry store to see if alterations on full-priced kids coats were also free. They said yes! I just have to mention though that every time I get alterations at the Burberry store, they try to pressure me against getting everything I want done (I do ask for a lot). My advice is to listen to what they have to say, but stand firm on exactly how you want your coat to fit.

Overall, I was surprisingly pleased by this coat. The other styles I ordered (Boys $475 trench and Boys $375 trench) were not worth photographing...but here is one anyways, just for laughs:

I thought that kids coats were "unisex" but boy was I wrong...the boys coats were shapeless to the max and made me feel like friar tuck. Also...surprise! Look at the inside! (I kinda like the gray though...lol)

So overall, what do you guys think? If you were in my position, would you shop Burberry kids for the lower price, or "splurge" all the way for a grown-up's coat?

Trench Quest, Part II - Burberry Kids sz 12

Ever since I started blogging, I've been slowly distancing myself from the kids department. The kiddie section is great for bargains, but 90% of the time there is something about the garment that just says "KIDS." This month, however, I was lured in by Burberry's selection of (relatively) affordable kids trench coats. Many readers have been asking about the fit of these, so I ordered a few (3, to be exact!) in the name of experimentation.

 Trench: Burberry Girls Mini Ivybridge, sz 12Y / 152cm (adult version sold here)

Jeans: H&M kids sz 11/12

I picked up the Mini Ivybrdige in sz 12Y/152cm (my height exactly!) for $475. In comparison, the adult Ivybridge sells for $995. This one fit the best out of the three. Continue reading for my review...

Material: the trench material (53% cotton, 37% poly) is much more in line with what I am looking for (unlike the Nordstroms coat) but it was still a little off. The material didn't seem like it was treated with any water-resistant coating, and it looked like spills or stains could easily seep in and settle. It also seemed wrinkle-prone.

Cut/style: Aside from having no defined waist, this cut is pretty much exactly what I want. Very classic look, nicely-proportioned collar & lapel, gun flap (in the kids coat descriptions, they call this a "fun flap"...lol!), and buckle detailing.

Fit: Shoulder width and sleeve length were perfect. The torso, however, was quite boxy when un-belted (see pic below). Measurements showed that there was NO difference between the underarm and waist, so the body was just straight up and down (surefire sign of a kids coat). If I were to keep this, I would need the sleeves slimmed, maybe the waist nipped in, and possibly the length shortened.

Measurements: Slimmer than the womens' 2P from Nordies. 17" across at the underarms, 17" across at the waist, 20" across the bottom. 36" total length, 22" sleeve length, 6" sleeve width, 14.5" shoulder width.

 Trying it on with flats:

Special notes: 

1. The belt was a measly 35 inches long (the belt on my raincoat is 56 inches) and it was attached at the back center (see below pic), so you couldn't move it around. There were also no prongs nor belt holes in the belt.

2. I called the Burberry store to see if alterations on full-priced kids coats were also free. They said yes! I just have to mention though that every time I get alterations at the Burberry store, they try to pressure me against getting everything I want done (I do ask for a lot). My advice is to listen to what they have to say, but stand firm on exactly how you want your coat to fit.

Overall, I was surprisingly pleased by this coat. The other styles I ordered (Boys $475 trench and Boys $375 trench) were not worth photographing...but here is one anyways, just for laughs:

I thought that kids coats were "unisex" but boy was I wrong...the boys coats were shapeless to the max and made me feel like friar tuck. Also...surprise! Look at the inside! (I kinda like the gray though...lol)

So overall, what do you guys think? If you were in my position, would you shop Burberry kids for the lower price, or "splurge" all the way for a grown-up's coat?

Trench Quest, Part I: Burberry Petites Double-Breasted Trench

This month marks the beginning of my quest for the perfect, classic Burberry trench. Bear with me if I seem to be nit-picking in the reviews, but I've splurged before on items that I wasn't completely satisfied with, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen again.

The first candidate is this trench from Nordstrom's anniversary sale in 2P, their smallest size. This coat got nothing but rave 5-star reviews from shoppers ("classic" ..."gorgeous" ..."slim"..), so my hopes were high. I was also curious about Burberry's petite sizing - a Nordies exclusive - but the regular Burberry store does such a good job with alterations that petite sizing isn't a huge deal to me. 

Coat: Burberry Double-Breasted Trench sz 2P ($895 was on sale for $550)

Jeans: H&M kids sz 11/12
Heels: Aldo sz 35

Material: When I opened the box, my face fell. The material was reminiscent of waterproof windbreaker fabric, instead of the classic cotton trench material I had expected. Upon reading the label I saw that it was 100% polyester. After feeling the slightly shiny material, I already knew this coat was going back.

Style/Cut: The second thing I noticed was a huge "Burberry Brit" tag slapped inside the coat. This is their casual wear line that is supposedly more "contemporary" and "cheaper" than their classic Burberry London label (sources: Racked & CEO letter). Now why would Nordstrom not mention the Brit part in the title or description like they did for their other Brit merchandise?

The style of this coat was classic enough, but it definitely wasn't cut slim like reviewers suggested. I also felt that the nylon-y material made it drape and crinkle in a way that just wasn't  flattering.

Fit: Although the length and sleeve length were good, the overall fit was big. There was ample room at the chest/underarm area, and the bottom flared out too much after the waist was cinched.There also were no defined shoulders (raglan-style sleeves). If I were to keep this coat, both the sleeves and torso would need to be slimmed.

Measurements: Sz 2 Petite measured 18" across the underarms, 16" across the waist, 22" across the bottom opening, 22" sleeve length, 6" sleeve width, and 15" approximate shoulder width.

Trying it on with flats:

Shapeless when un-belted:

Verdict: A definite no. My aversion to the fit and material must be a personal thing, because everyone else who reviewed this coat on Nordstrom online had nothing but praise...? The boyfriend initially likened the appearance and sound of this jacket to a "garbage bag," but we agreed it looked better under natural lighting.

Redeeming qualities of this trench: petite-friendly length, wonderful details (engraved buttons, shoulder epaulettes, buckles and check under the collar), plus a removable wool liner that zips in and out. From my experience, a removable liner is worth about $200 extra.

Two other petites also ordered this coat - hopefully SeeJessicaGo and PetiteXXS will have their own photos and thoughts to add.

On a separate note, I was browsing online and noticed that petite-favorite Gap Inc. is offering trench coats at three very different price points. From highest-priced to lowest:

Banana Republic Classic Trench in XXSP, Black or Khaki 

(now WHY would they exclude this slate gray color from petites?)

Gap Classic Trench in XSP, Pecan color

Old Navy Long Trench in XSP, available in 5 colors

Readers - will you guys be trying any of the trench coats above? All three of these stores have great coupons & shipping codes from time to time. I think I may try the BR one because the quality looks the best by far, plus it's the only one available in size XXS petite.

Trench Quest, Part I: Burberry Petites Double-Breasted Trench

This month marks the beginning of my quest for the perfect, classic Burberry trench. Bear with me if I seem to be nit-picking in the reviews, but I've splurged before on items that I wasn't completely satisfied with, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen again.

The first candidate is this trench from Nordstrom's anniversary sale in 2P, their smallest size. This coat got nothing but rave 5-star reviews from shoppers ("classic" ..."gorgeous" ..."slim"..), so my hopes were high. I was also curious about Burberry's petite sizing - a Nordies exclusive - but the regular Burberry store does such a good job with alterations that petite sizing isn't a huge deal to me. 

Coat: Burberry Double-Breasted Trench sz 2P ($895 was on sale for $550)

Jeans: H&M kids sz 11/12
Heels: Aldo sz 35

Material: When I opened the box, my face fell. The material was reminiscent of waterproof windbreaker fabric, instead of the classic cotton trench material I had expected. Upon reading the label I saw that it was 100% polyester. After feeling the slightly shiny material, I already knew this coat was going back.

Style/Cut: The second thing I noticed was a huge "Burberry Brit" tag slapped inside the coat. This is their casual wear line that is supposedly more "contemporary" and "cheaper" than their classic Burberry London label (sources: Racked & CEO letter). Now why would Nordstrom not mention the Brit part in the title or description like they did for their other Brit merchandise?

The style of this coat was classic enough, but it definitely wasn't cut slim like reviewers suggested. I also felt that the nylon-y material made it drape and crinkle in a way that just wasn't  flattering.

Fit: Although the length and sleeve length were good, the overall fit was big. There was ample room at the chest/underarm area, and the bottom flared out too much after the waist was cinched.There also were no defined shoulders (raglan-style sleeves). If I were to keep this coat, both the sleeves and torso would need to be slimmed.

Measurements: Sz 2 Petite measured 18" across the underarms, 16" across the waist, 22" across the bottom opening, 22" sleeve length, 6" sleeve width, and 15" approximate shoulder width.

Trying it on with flats:

Shapeless when un-belted:

Verdict: A definite no. My aversion to the fit and material must be a personal thing, because everyone else who reviewed this coat on Nordstrom online had nothing but praise...? The boyfriend initially likened the appearance and sound of this jacket to a "garbage bag," but we agreed it looked better under natural lighting.

Redeeming qualities of this trench: petite-friendly length, wonderful details (engraved buttons, shoulder epaulettes, buckles and check under the collar), plus a removable wool liner that zips in and out. From my experience, a removable liner is worth about $200 extra.

Two other petites also ordered this coat - hopefully SeeJessicaGo and PetiteXXS will have their own photos and thoughts to add.

On a separate note, I was browsing online and noticed that petite-favorite Gap Inc. is offering trench coats at three very different price points. From highest-priced to lowest:

Banana Republic Classic Trench in XXSP, Black or Khaki 

(now WHY would they exclude this slate gray color from petites?)

Gap Classic Trench in XSP, Pecan color

Old Navy Long Trench in XSP, available in 5 colors

Readers - will you guys be trying any of the trench coats above? All three of these stores have great coupons & shipping codes from time to time. I think I may try the BR one because the quality looks the best by far, plus it's the only one available in size XXS petite.

Petite Lookbook: Classic Black Coat

Outerwear is one of the hardest things to shop for as a petite - and alterations alone can run pretty high. I invest a lot into my outerwear, but I feel like the cost is justified. Cold weather in the Northeast settles in around October and stays until April, so I get tons of wear out of them. Not to mention, a nice coat definitely makes dreary winter days more tolerable : )

Coat: Burberry F/W08 sz 2 (read about alterations here) (2009 version sold here)

Leggings: H&M sz 2

Scarf: Abercrombie cashmere

Bag: Chanel Petite Shopping Tote

Shoes: Target Mossimo nude pumps sz 5.5

Shop winter coats in petite-friendly sizes:

1. The J.Crew Lady Day Coat and Wool-Cashmere Plaza Coat in P0 are still lurking on final sale in numerous colors. I've heard that their coats run smaller than their tops, but cannot vouch for this myself. Price was just lowered today to $150, but wait for EXTRA20 or EXTRA30 if you can.

2. Nordstrom Wool-Blend Walking Coat in Juniors XS is a very inexpensive option. This coat was introduced to me a while back by a reader. There are 90+ reviews giving it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, and it should run small since it is juniors sizing.

3. Victoria's Secret Classic Wool Coat in P0, on sale as well. First came across this coat in a thread on the Alterations Needed forum. Per the reviewer (who is a tad bigger than me), the fit was decent, however the quality was not great.

4. Mackage Penelope Coat in XXS. Whenever someone hears that I'm a coat fanatic, they tell me that I have to try Mackage. According to the size chart, an XXS is for women measuring 32-25-34.5, which sounds like a P0 to P2. Any petites have experience with this brand?

This coat went through two rounds of alterations (first done by the retail store, second done by my tailors at Hemmingway). I prefer my coats a little more fitted and the sleeves more slim, but overall I'm quite pleased with the results.

Petite Lookbook: Classic Black Coat

Outerwear is one of the hardest things to shop for as a petite - and alterations alone can run pretty high. I invest a lot into my outerwear, but I feel like the cost is justified. Cold weather in the Northeast settles in around October and stays until April, so I get tons of wear out of them. Not to mention, a nice coat definitely makes dreary winter days more tolerable : )

Coat: Burberry F/W08 sz 2 (read about alterations here) (2009 version sold here)

Leggings: H&M sz 2

Scarf: Abercrombie cashmere

Bag: Chanel Petite Shopping Tote

Shoes: Target Mossimo nude pumps sz 5.5

Shop winter coats in petite-friendly sizes:

1. The J.Crew Lady Day Coat and Wool-Cashmere Plaza Coat in P0 are still lurking on final sale in numerous colors. I've heard that their coats run smaller than their tops, but cannot vouch for this myself. Price was just lowered today to $150, but wait for EXTRA20 or EXTRA30 if you can.

2. Nordstrom Wool-Blend Walking Coat in Juniors XS is a very inexpensive option. This coat was introduced to me a while back by a reader. There are 90+ reviews giving it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, and it should run small since it is juniors sizing.

3. Victoria's Secret Classic Wool Coat in P0, on sale as well. First came across this coat in a thread on the Alterations Needed forum. Per the reviewer (who is a tad bigger than me), the fit was decent, however the quality was not great.

4. Mackage Penelope Coat in XXS. Whenever someone hears that I'm a coat fanatic, they tell me that I have to try Mackage. According to the size chart, an XXS is for women measuring 32-25-34.5, which sounds like a P0 to P2. Any petites have experience with this brand?

This coat went through two rounds of alterations (first done by the retail store, second done by my tailors at Hemmingway). I prefer my coats a little more fitted and the sleeves more slim, but overall I'm quite pleased with the results.