Wardrobe Staples - Suiting and Icon Trench

I ordered some 1035 superfine cotton suiting with the last 30% secret promo. I thought it was a good opportunity to pick up navy blazer, trousers and skirt, all for about $200.

I like J.Crew superfine cotton, it feels smooth and it keeps its shape and it is good for year round, except maybe few super cold weeks in the winter.

Blazer size 6 and trousers size 4

It is perfect navy shade

I like this shade of navy. Not too dark to be confused with black and not too blue or faded. The blazer is basic cut, rather roomy, so do not size up. Notched lapels, flap pockets, inside pocket and pen holder, lined in navy polyester and striped lining for sleeves.

Looks good open and closed and from the back. Definitely can go to an interview, but I can easily wear it with jeans and t-shirt. Well worth the under $90 I paid.

Now, for the trousers, I posted this rant on Mothership and I will repeat it here. I have ordered two sizes and I noticed the first pair I tried looked a little different from my favorite 1035 superfine gray cotton trousers from last year.  I got out the other size and sure enough, they were exactly the same as my gray pair, wide waistband, double belt loops and vertical banded pockets that stay flat, as opposed to single loops, narrower waistband and slanted pockets, that stick out.

I checked the tag and no surprise, the pair I like is labeled SU11 and the other pair is labeled SP12. To me, this design is not just different, but shows decline in quality. These little details made me like this style.

But maybe I am wrong, and people prefer single loops, slanted pockets and thinner waistband?
Fortunately for me, there is almost no difference in dimensions (and both pairs fit me) even if they are 2 different sizes (4 & 6), so it looks like the sizing also changed. Of course I am keeping SU11 pair.
Btw, the picture on the website shows the trousers with double loops.

The skirt is also slightly different from last year's, that I also own. SP12 version has a thinner and less defined waistband. You can see the difference on the website when you compare the byzantine blue with navy. 

The skirt I received looks like byzantine blue, but I own the same skirt that looks like the navy picture. The fit is great on me, but skirt in the new design does look a little cheaper. Other than that, it is a nice basic skirt and fits TTS.

Skirt size 4

I would still recommend the superfine cotton suiting, it is great quality for the price. If I were wearing suits to work, I would even pick up more colors. The white version is also tempting me, as I could wear all pieces separately, but it is not on sale right now.

 

***

Last week, I almost lost my beloved BR trench coat. I was waiting for my shuttle and since the day was beautiful, I  took the coat off and put it across the back of the bench I was sitting on. I was looking at my phone and did not see the shuttle coming, until it pulled in front of the building, so I quickly grabbed my backpack and forgot about the coat. I did not remember about it until I got off the train in my town and I couldn't remember if I left the coat on the bench, in the shuttle or at the train station. I actually went back to look for it but it was nowhere to be found and I thought I lost it. I was really bummed about it, because it is one of my favorites and I have been wearing it non stop. I had no desire to shop for a new coat and spend money when I was very happy with this one.

But, since I was at J.Crew last weekend, I thought I would try this year's version of the Icon Trench. I first tried an 8, but it was way too big and shapeless so I asked for a 6. 

Size 6

6 was a correct size and the coat fitted me well so I would say it runs TTS to big. I did not like the color. I thought it was too yellow for my skin tone. I also did not like the fact that is is so short. I think it looks great with pants but it has an awkward length with a pencil skirt or anything knee length. I much preferred my BR coat that falls about an inch or two above the knee, almost the same length as most of my skirts and dresses.

Other than that, the shape, fit and fabric are great and feel luxurious and look chic. I have tried the current BR coat some time ago and I did not like it as much as the version I have ( I think from 2010 or 2009) First of all, it has epaulets, which I don't like, especially that most of my bags I wear over the shoulder and I don't like the look of the strap squishing the epaulets. The fabric also felt flimsier, the lining was plain and not striped like mine, the buttons and buckle details on belt and sleeves were also cheaper looking.

If I was to pick between this year's BR version and an Icon, I would pick an Icon, but if choosing between my old BR coat and Icon I would stay with BR. This is just my personal preference, mostly because of the length and color, not quality or design. 

I worked from home Monday to Wednesday (because I suffered from nasty stomach flu) but yesterday I was very happy to learn that I left my coat at the office park and that it was picked up by security!!!  We are now happily reunited, but I realized that it desperately needs a dry cleaning. 

***

That's all folks!

Do you own any superfine cotton suiting? How do you like it?

Do you thing the quality went down or is it just a difference in design?

Do you own an Icon Trench? 

Do you think it is better than similar trench coats from other brands?

Please share, It would be no fun without you!!!