The Perfect Trench

I'm not sure what it is...maybe I watch too many old movies. Maybe I secretly want to be a spy (I do so love berets and dark sunglasses...hmmm?:). Or maybe I just love trench coats. I've dreamed of owning the perfect trench coat for a while now. Here's the story: when I was about 11 years old, my grandparents cleaned out the attic/my grandmother's old dressing room/grandchild playroom. They gave away a lot of items, and we as family got our pick. One of the pieces of clothing that I chose was a cream London Fog trench coat with a zip out lining. Double breasted, belted, perfectly fitting trench...but I was soooo self conscious and didn't know when or where I'd ever wear it--especially in Florida. So somewhere along the way between then and now, it was lost and I've never forgotten it.

Over the past three years, I started collecting trench coats--officially beginning my quest for the perfect trench coat. It started innocently enough with a cream (big surprise there), leather one that my husband purchased for me on Portabello Road during our honeymoon. He tried, in vain, to encourage me to get another coat that he liked more...but I just wouldn't listen.

Then, a few weeks ago, I was in a church thrift store near our apartment just poking around, looking to see if I could find any treasures. Well, I found several items hidden amongst the racks of Anne Taylor pantsuits and '80s mother-of-the-bride dresses including a Furla bag that I got for four dollars and a London Fog trench! Its a little big, but I kind of like the way it looks when the collar is popped and its belted. It makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn at the end of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

I still wasn't quite satisfied, but didn't go to thrift stores looking for trenches...they just seemed to find me (which usually isn't the case when I'm thinking about a particular item). So two weeks ago today, Dan and I went to my favorite thrift store. Just let me say, the had a plethora of trench coats! All different sizes, various brands including London Fog and Brooks Brothers. I felt like Goldie Locks:) After trying on about four of them, I finally came upon a pink, 70's London Fog coat with a fabulous collar. The buttons were missing and it looked like someone had attempted to readjust the sleeve length and done a sloppy job, so I understandably mulled it over for a while (to the noticeable chagrin of one other shopper who wanted to use one of the few mirrors in the store. In my defense, I stepped aside when I realized that she was waiting). I eventually decided that it was worth spending the nine dollars for the coat, resewing the buttons and making a go with the sleeves. It all turned out well, and I think I ended up with a unique trench to add to my collection.

Well, I feel like its getting a little ridiculous now...so I'm going to cool my heels for the time being on the trenches. I do love them though, especially for the rainy spring season. Don't we all need something stylish to cover up in for the occasional overcast day? Now, I suppose that I'll have my pick:)

(P.S. There's wonderful photo of a young Ingrid Bergman smiling for the camera wearing a trench here . I just love her hair, her smile, her trench...well, everything about this picture.)