Couture Item of the Week for Not a Couture Price -- Iconic Trench

By Angela Parks, Contributing Writer 

You will find overtime that I gravitate toward simplistic and classic fashion. I adore Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Valentino. I believe clothing should be worn to bring out a woman's best attributes and that a woman should always portray herself as a lady. I also feel it necessary to invest in timeless wardrobe staples. Your "go-to" items in your closet,  that will never let you down. Over the next several weeks, I will be writing about the items you shouldn't be living without and how to obtain them without paying retail.  

One item in my wardrobe that I consistently wear in the Spring and Fall is my Burberry Trench. An enduring classic that has been an icon for over 100 years. I can be a wreck under my trench - but no one would ever know. Much like sunglasses disguise a face without makeup - my trench allows me to appear put-together at a moments notice. 

The trench coat was officially introduced during World War I (though, Burberry designed their first coat in 1895), it was considered  an item of dress for officers in the British Army. In 1914,  the War Office commissioned Burberry to make the coat and by 1918 Harper's Bazaar was already recognizing the item as fashionable. Lest we not forget that Harper's considers itself to be the style resource for “women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture.”

credit: National Photo Group

I routinely shop on Bluefly.com. They carry designer brands from Chloe to Hermes. This week I was able to find a Burberry Trench at 20% off retail.  Combined with a first-time shopper discount, no sales tax and free shipping - you can get this coat retailed at  $ 1,095.00 for $ 856.00 (free shipping and first-time shopper discount can be found on retailmenot.com). 

photo: bluefly.com 

While I understand that cost is relative to one's budget, rest assured you can purchase a similar trench to the Burberry without draining your savings or maxing out your credit card. Bluefly.com not only carriers couture designer items, but also contemporary designers as well.  You can purchase this Elie Tahari trench retailing at $275.00 for $ 192.00 (a discount of 30%).

                                                                    

Whether you're out shopping with the girls, dinning with a loved one or sitting in carpool,  rest assured you will always look magnificent while wearing your iconic trench. 

Side Note: When shopping for discounted designer goods -  you will find that the those items sell out VERY quickly. My suggestion is that if you are in the market for a particular item - do NOT hesitate on a purchase. Doing so will guarantee that your deal will turn into a steal for another bargain fashionista. First one to checkout wins!