Time to Buy a Trench

Burberry

Burberry

In assessing my spring wardrobe situation, I put a lot of importance on the trench. The classic coat is a key element to my closet -- my go-to spring (and early fall) piece. I love it with skinny jeans, leggings and over a cocktail dress. But perhaps the the thing j'adore most about the trench is its ability to make me feel chic in an instant (no matter what I have on under) -- call it the Catherine Deneuve effect.

Catherine Deneuve in Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

I've discovered that the trench doesn't have to be a pricey item. A Burberry would be nice, sure, but there are many more affordable options.  I've worn my $100 Uniqlo trench to death -- and always get compliments on it. It has a removable fleece lining that makes it perfect for chillier days. I also have a short Gap trench that is really more like a jacket and great for when I am in and out of the car all day. I have a longer trench from APC in dark olive with a military vibe that I wear when I want to mix it up a bit.

Zara

Zara

Like anything you buy, consider fit and fabric.  I like trenches on the slimmer side, but with enough room that I don't look stuffed in when I layer underneath (especially in the arms). I like to wear it both open with the sash tied in the back and cinched closed in the front so, it has to work both ways. Heavy cottons are classic and you can't go wrong with standard issue khaki -- although, lately I am loving the idea of a white trench (my next purchase?), like the ones seen on the spring runways.

Yves Saint Laurent

Derek Lam

My l'affaire amour with the trench has caused me to go as far as buying a version for my baby from Jacadi. And I just spotted some adorable ones at Zara for the toddlers. Might as well start them early!

Zara

Zara

** Note, my Sarkozy spotting this weekend has got me feeling very French. They were the chicest! 

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy tres chic in a trench

The Politics of Power Dressing

Apparently, not everyone liked Michelle Obama's State Dinner dress as much as I did. Oscar de la Renta for one. The legendary designer told WWD, "My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade — American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?". Sour grapes maybe? The First Lady has yet to wear Oscar, while he was a favorite of Laura Bush and Hilary Clinton -- but Obama has worn a piece by Oscar's up-and-coming designer son Moises (see below), which is a statement in itself.

Perhaps Oscar has a point. But one thing is for sure, no matter what Obama wears, she is sure to be scrutinized... as are all women in the public eye (including the women in my First Lady of Fashion post below). On topic is a new book coming out next month by fashion journalist Robb Young, called Power Dressing: First Ladies, Women Politicians and Fashion.

Here is the description of the book on Amazon:

Some find the constant scrutiny an unwelcome intrusion; others use fashion as their secret weapon. Whatever their views, women in politics know they will be judged by how they dress more than their male counterparts. In Power Dressing, fashion journalist Robb Young offers an engaging perspective on the ability of style to influence the careers of women politicians and first ladies. Concise thematic chapters are interspersed with profiles of more than 50 serving and former women presidents, prime ministers, MPs, royals and wives from over 30 countries, ranging from such contemporary figures as Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Angela Merkel and Queen Rania of Jordan to such iconic women as Eva Perón, Imelda Marcos and Margaret Thatcher. Featuring hundreds of photographs that shed light on political context, and quotations from prominent figures commenting on each woman's style, this fascinating book reveals the milestone `fashion moments' as well as the unspoken rules of the political fashion game.

Should be an interesting read. If anything just for the pictures!

First Lady of Fashion

Wow! Michelle Obama looks amazing in Alexander McQueen. Once again, the First Lady defies tradition by going for a non-American designer -- and for something bold and statement-making. The scarlet stunner was created by Sarah Burton, who took over at the label after Lee McQueen's death last year. It seems to be a variation of a gown from the line's recent resort collection. Red, of course, is a nod to China as the White House was hosting Hu Jintao, the "President" of China.

I love that she wears real fashion... major designers like McQueen, Alaia, Narcisco, Gaultier, Marc Jacobs; new fashion darlings like Thakoon and Jason Wu; and is not afraid to mix in some J.Crew and Gap!

It is so exciting that we are in a moment where strong female rolemodels embrace fashion. Michelle Obama runs in a pack of chic leaders' wives, including France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who favors ladylike Dior. They don't mind showing up their husbands! (Although both Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama seem to wear flats or kitten heels most of the time, no doubt in an effort to not tower over their high-powered spouses).

British Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, the former creative director of Smythson of Bond Street and now an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, goes for a more casual look in Brit labels like TopShop, Paul Smith, Erdem and Osman Yousefzada.

And perhaps the chicest (and no doubt richest) of all is Queen Rania. She is certainly no stranger to high-end designer clothes!

Inspiring for the budding fashionistas out there...