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| J Crew Icon Trench in Wool-Cashmere Heather Acorn |
One year I ordered 2 or 3, I can't even remember, but it was ridiculous, and I sent them all back.
The problem: camel often has a washed gray undertone which is not very flattering, it can look as dull as dishwater.
I'd nearly given up hope of ever finding an acceptable camel coat (short of buying MaxMara which is a big splash) until I noticed this Icon Trench in heather acorn.
The Icon Trench is a particular favorite of mine: I own the cotton in black and the wool-cashmere, again in black. I like the fit and the practicality of this coat, it's great for travel but also just dependable for everyday. It's not too long which makes it easy to get in and out of the car and it has a fuller bottom so it doesn't restrict one while out walking.
I would say the heather acorn is more of a light heather brown with slight shades of a golden undertone. It is slightly darker than these photos allow.
The tailoring is very nice.
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| This photo best captures the color. I'm wearing it with the Goldsign jeans from J Crew, I love these jeans. |
The Icon Trench in Wool-Cashmere also comes in navy and cabernet.
Hope your week is off to a brilliant start.
I'm going to relax later this afternoon with the new Vanity Fair featuring Our Fair Duchess!
xoDani
I love it!!! I remember seeing a whole window of the MaxMara camel identical coats in different poses at the store in Florence last fall. Yummy, but this one looks very nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat are those jeans like? I have the matchsticks and like these; I wonder if they are roomier or tighter?
Hi Lane, The Goldsign jeans! I love them. I have them in the "Jenny" wash. They sit higher on the waist than the matchstick, and they are a great fit on me, I've never had jeans fit so well. I bought the size 27 (also my matchstick size, I had a pair which I gave away when I bought these).
DeleteThe Goldsign only gap slightly on the back of the waist, not enough to take in. The hip and thigh are quite fitted (more so than the matchstick), but it's the denim that makes them wonderful, really soft and super-comfortable.
They were expensive but the cost-per-wear should justify them ultimately.
I must get to Florence! We were talking about it at dinner on Saturday night, my friend Ade is headed there soon.
I really need new jeans but can't be bothered going through the whole pallava of finding ones that fit and flatter. I didn't even wear my new MaxMara camel coat once last year - clothes are wasted on me. I like the shade of this one a lot and the fuchsia piping is a lovely touch.
DeleteTabs just wear the MaxMara out everywhere, to the butcher etc.!! It will be gorgeous on you. I like these jeans because the denim is nice and soft and not too stretchy, they seem like a classic jean as compared to some of the fancy stuff put out these past few years.
DeleteThat coat is gorgeous Dani. Isn't it nice to get big purchases out of the way early so you know you've got when you need. Our climate was so mild last year I think I wore my winter coat twice. I like so many coats at J Crew, but just can't justify any of them so I'll love vicariously through you.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, I think our winter is gearing up to be mild (for us) and this coat could be worn throughout, especially with my Brora sweaters under it (and warm boots, if the feet are warm, the whole body stays toasty is my experience!)
DeleteOne benefit of living in Canada: the excuse to own lots of different coats!
Gorgeous Dani!! It looks well made and a perfect color. Will be classic and chic forever.
ReplyDeleteHi M, The color is pretty good, I don't think I'll get closer to a perfect light brown without spending 4 times as much. This heather acorn is slightly darker than the pencil and sterling skirts in the same shade from last year, I should have mentioned that!
DeleteThanks for the great review Dani! I am ordering mine in September, since I ordered a couple of other items on my list this month! I think the coat is smashing on you! Do you feel like you could wear it deep into winter? I am planning on the navy, since I have the camel trench coat.
ReplyDeleteWMM there's no rush to order they're not exactly flying out the door! I ordered mine early to cross it off my list and because I had a rewards card and gift card, and quite frankly I wasn't sure I'd like much more at J Crew this season to even order.
DeleteI could wear this through the winter with a cashmere sweater under, for sure. I ordered the size 2 which is a bit roomy through the shoulders and chest, perfect for wearing with thick knits.
Aren't you leaving tomorrow? The countdown is getting louder!
Yup - off to Halifax to catch the flight! All packed (except for toiletries) and ready to go!
DeleteI have the cabernet coat on 60-day probation in my closet. If I keep it, I will probably have the belt loops moved ¾ inch lower, to avoid the dreaded hint at empire waist. I think the navy would be more practical, but I just loved the cab.
ReplyDeleteOh Fred - is it high waisted??
Deletenothing that a seam ripper and a few stitches can't fix, on me anyway.
DeleteFred I love those seam ripper gadgets, so satisfying.
DeleteI camel is very tricky to find the perfect shade, I do agree about dishwater nightmare. Do I detect that you are not perfectly happy with the shade? I have a Boulevard coat in sand-someting that I bought 2 years ago. I LOVE the shape of this coat and the stadium cloth fabric. But I am not in love with the shade, it is OK, but not what I really wanted but it was bought as 'good enough'. I compromised and I regretted it later because I liked the shade of last year's coat better. But once you have the 'good enough' coat, it is hard to justify buying the perfect shade should it finally show up. I know you can always wear a scarf but I am convinced the coat should look great without the scarf, or it is not THE coat. Jmho, the coat looks very nice in the pitures but only you can tell if it gives you 'the feeling'.
ReplyDeleteHi ajc, I've thought about this after reading your comment, thank you. I think it gives me enough of the "feeling". I also could really use this basic and I am tired of looking. I've been thinking about shopping and how tired I am of looking for things, I've been reading some theories on shopping (and what we are really looking for) and it could be an upcoming post. Of course it's a huge topic so it could be several!!
DeleteThis is really beautiful, Dani. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that camel can have that grey-ish undertone which flatters very few. Sigh.
The cashmere popover I bought last year has a golden undertone, much like the one you have above, so it favors more complexions. I am glad to see that J. Crew makes some of their camel-colored coats with this more flattering hue.
Hi Dina, That cashmere popover was gorgeous! I've tried lots of camel and none of it worked out. I knew I'd found one when it wasn't called "camel", ha!
DeleteA camel coat with jeans is a perfect fall look. I'm sure you will get plenty of mileage from this classic style and color. I have the short icon in the pinky taupe color but no other brown coats. Oh, I do have a camel hair poncho from Brooks Brothers that is a match for heather acorn and although not a coat it is probably enough brown outerwear for me.
ReplyDeleteI was contemplating J.Crew's double-cloth slim trench in cobalt but I think I'll wait until I go back to the US this fall. I'd like to be able to try it and if necessary, return it without shipping charges.
Hi xoxo, I like that trench, I'd be curious to know what you think of it. I agree that it's best to try it in the US, mailing back coats is a big commotion! Who needs that.
DeleteYour BB poncho sounds just beautiful.
Hi Dani-The coat looks beautiful and classic. I just love a beautiful coat and I am always on the lookout for one, even though my coat closet is miserably full. I would say that perhaps a pretty scarf would be a lovely souvenir from your Paris trip this fall.
ReplyDeleteHi David, You know I've been thinking the same thing. We shall see, visiting Hermes is top of the list for a tie for MrBP, maybe a little scarf will catch my eye, the perfect souvenir.
DeleteHi Dani, that's a lovely coat! I'd also love a camel-coloured coat; I got a camel hair coat at the Max Mara outlet, but it's kind of a taupey/mushroomy colour - which I actually like. My dear friend in Budapest had a camel coat from Marks and Spencer when I first met her 30 years ago - I don't know if she still has it, but I know it would still be in style!
ReplyDeleteI have that copy of Vanity Fair, it's a really good one. I think when my Vogue subscription runs out I'll switch over - VF has more interesting articles IMO.
Hi Patricia, The VF was quite entertaining. Did you read that article about the Brant boys? My goodness, modern day Holden Caulfield's with lots of money, I thought they were quite hilarious, smart yet empty-headed at the same time!
DeleteDani - kept forgetting - I read the VF this past weekend. We are all Kate crazy in our house, good little royalists that we are... she is very chic!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me to ask another question - does anyone know if the new schoolboy in camel is more golden toned or grey-toned? I have been eying it, but honestly the J Crew pictures are WAY off the realities...
Hi WMM, say a hometown hello to Stanfield Int'l for me and happy landings. The new schoolboy is definitely quite golden orange, although not as "yellowish" or dark as the 2011 version. If you want a second colour-tone opinion, ping FFM who tried it on recently. I have the new wool trench in 2P and don't find it high waisted. But I am a 5' 2" shortie. I found this year's version has plenty of room in the shoulders and sleeve to wear either a suit jacket or a sweater underneath. I think it will be warm enough, but I am a layer-er anyway. The only thing I am not particularly fond of is the somewhat prominent very top collar hook. But that won't show with chin length hair or a scarf anyway. The finish is good, but the fabric is slightly thinner/ less plush than my 2010 Plaza coat. HTH
DeleteSorry for jacket blather, but meant to say definitely warm vs. cool toned, but "brighter", less brown than their online shot shows. Looks good with navy IMO.
DeleteI thought the camel Schoolboy looked very golden. I believe it is navy under the collar if you flip the collar up. The lining is a cute stripe when you cuff the sleeves. I wanted it, but when I tried it on, the camel color as no good on me.
DeleteHi coat twin. As above, I think it's a keeper, thankfully no bathrobe or enlisted vibe. And for the price with the order discount card and our recently milder winters, plus a real life of pets, slushy streets, salted car doors etc. I trust I will wear without worry versus the Max Mara fret factor. Still jonesing for your acorn/ camel vs. my practical "school uniform" navy. Look forward to seeing your true hue in person eventually. And if WFF decides it's a keeper too we can start a trench posse, hah.
ReplyDeletePS The piping in the navy version of the trench is a goldenrod shade with a midnight blue lining.
DeleteHi GF, I was wondering how you found yours! Excellent we will be twins. Not sure we should wear them when we are out together we might look like an ad! Lovely sound that piping with the lining, good job on the details J Crew.
DeleteIt looks like a good color. As you and others have mentioned, camel is a tough color. For me, it can't have a lot of golden undertones, or I start looking jaundiced. Since I live in LA, and don't have a need for a lot of coats, I probably will pass on any new ones this year, but still want a Max Mara one of these days. I did buy a Burberry navy pea coat, which is good for our weather.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, I love a good navy pea coat, Tabs has one that is her staple most of the year.
DeleteI had one in University that I wore constantly, I haven't worn one since. I should buy another someday.
Dani, the coat is perfection on you. The red piping is such a nice detail too. I've enjoyed my cotton version for many years. I wish that it came in tall sizes. The waist is a bit high on me but I still love it. Enjoy your lovely purchase.
ReplyDeleteHi AmW, The red piping was a nice surprise. Funny they should make the Icon in tall sizing, it's such a basic at J Crew.
DeleteDani a classic camel trench is always perfect! A camel wool was my first really good coast eons ago; I wore it all the time!I do love this one, the length, the flair!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series Featuring Harrison Howard
Hi Karena, Thanks, I like that flair skirt portion as well.
DeleteThis is a classic style and something you can wear for ages. Good buy. The fit looks so good. I don't need a winter coat being in Arizona and I must admit that there are times I miss buying those great fall/winter items!
ReplyDeleteHi DesertFlower, I would miss that too, coats are so fun and a great way to organize a color story etc. Of course you do get winter in Arizona while I wear my coat to scrape ice off of the front porch steps! ;)
DeleteI like this coat and the tie-up belt, I think i would prefer that instead of a fussy do-up belt. I have the same issue, I can't do outfits with washed out grey undertones as the colour just looks bleh on me!
ReplyDeleteHi LR, This heather golden brown is very nice, they got it right on this one.
Deleteoh that is gorgeous dani. love the red piping too. i adore little touches like that. and did i read that right? you love those jeans. haha. i love that.
ReplyDeleteps - would you please put together a wardrobe for me for a weekend in new york, end of sept. thank you. haha
Hi Janet, Well of course I would, are you joking? Are you going to New York? Hmmm must get to the bottom of this, that would be such an exciting trip.
DeleteYes I love those jeans, can you believe it?
Timeless and such a great colour on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marsha. Have you been gazing at your Brora coat just waiting to bring it out?!
DeleteYes Dani I can`t wait for fall. I also noticed a tweed skirt in midnight. I wonder if they fit like Crew or do put inches on. Have you ever tried one
DeleteHi Marsha, I do have a tweed pencil skirt from Brora, I have a size 8 and I am normally a size 2 in J Crew, I find the Brora fits a bit snug. The hip measurement on the size guide indicates a 34" hip for the size 8 bottom. I have a 37" hip so no wonder my skirt is tight.
DeleteI would go by the size guide and I would phone their customer service for further information about that particular skirt: is it running true-to-size etc.
It is a beautiful skirt, that midnight tweed!
I really like this Dani, it's a great looking coat and I love the leather covered buckles. You've got such a teeny little waist that anything fitted looks fabulous on you.
ReplyDeleteHi Sulky, I like those leather covered buckles too, they're kind of 70's but in a good way.
Deletewhat a gorgeous coat. you look chic and timeless. xox P
ReplyDeletephiphisblog.com
Thanks phiphi!
DeleteThe coat is lovely, and I sound like a broken wheel, but I really admire the little details as well. I am sure with your narrow waist it is a perfect fit. It is so hard to find the right camel, but that one looks like a winner. I am curled up with the new EXTRA large Vogue- a nice treat!
ReplyDeleteHi KnitYarns, I'm waiting for my giant Vogue to arrive, it's always like Christmas, the September issue! Enjoy!
DeleteThat looks beautiful. I hope you love it, it's a keeper and the search will end. I know it can be tedious to find the right thing that matches what you have in your head ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, I think it's really fine! I've been obsessing less over the perfect, and really the price was right on this one compared to others I've seen.
DeleteI like that it looks very nice with my heather acorn skirts, which should get lots of wear this fall. I should have taken a picture of them together!
Hi Dani, camel coats are classy and timeless. My mother always had a camel coat in her wardrobe and believed this colour was the best go-to option for any outfit.
ReplyDeleteI adore jackets/coats but after moving north to a sub tropical climate, winters are so mild I hardly get any wear out of a heavy coat. I shall live vicariously through my northern hemisphere blog pals.
xx