In or Out: Inverness Trench


The Inverness Trench ($188) has been hiding in plain sight. After a tasteless photo in the July catalogue (my thoughts here or you can read the Post-Fab Princess’s take here) Shannon over at Wardrobe Review sang its praises and I decided to take another look.


And a third, and a fourth, and a twirl in front of the mirror! I didn’t have many size options on the rack — 3 size 2s or a 10. Since this coat is by Elevenses I tried the 10. That left plenty of room for winter layers later. If I had my choice I would love to try on an 8 for comparison.

The coat is pretty thick. Definitely good for windy NYC falls and perhaps with cashmere underneath OK for those warmer winter days as well. I love the voluminous skirt that makes it look like I’m wearing an A-line dress underneath. It’s nicely lined with appealing shiny black buttons. The plaid is a bit Burberry inspired in my opinion and that is not a bad thing. For trying on purposes I just knotted the belt but it does have a proper pull-through style. And oh, have you spied the back? A nice little bow. Perhaps I have finally found the perfect outfit match for my Flora Fedora.

My one knock on this coat is that they call it a trench but it’s neither waterproof nor water-resistant? What??? Who okayed that move? It severely limits the options for this coat, especially since as I mentioned above it’s too thick for warm days but not thick enough for really cold days. This gives me pause at nearly $200.

So what do you think? Does this stay in my cart or should I knock it out?

(PS – Shannon from Wardrobe Review is trying to find this coat in a 0. If you see it please leave her a comment or email her from this post!)

19 Comments

  1. August 21, 2009 / 12:58 pm

    I was hoping to find Roxy a 0, but there isn't one at my store. I LOVE this coat. I normally wouldn't plop down that much money for a piece (I'm a teacher), but I found this coat to be the perfect mix of a traditional base with feminine updates. I live in Minnesota where I can already smell fall in the air. I will get a lot of wear out of this one!

  2. August 21, 2009 / 1:01 pm

    Sorry, Roxy! I meant I was hoping to find one for Shannon!

  3. Anonymous
    August 21, 2009 / 1:24 pm

    I bought this coat. I loved it so much I didn't want to wait for it to go on sale and then not get my size. I got it in size 8 and it fits really well with room for fall clothes underneath.I live in Toronto and I think it's going to be great for fall. I'm not worried about it not being water-repellant because I'll have my umbrella on wet days anyway.It's classy as well as fun, so I feel like a fashionable secret agent in it! 🙂

  4. August 21, 2009 / 3:12 pm

    I hear you Jane. This coat will be great for years to come! So tempting…ITA Anonymous! I felt like Diana Rigg from The Avengers when I put it on.

  5. August 21, 2009 / 4:45 pm

    Roxy the Inverness looks fantastic on you!!!Thanks so much for helping with my search! I think I am going to order the 2 this weekend and hang onto it with tags in hopes that a 0 pops up

  6. August 21, 2009 / 4:56 pm

    I think it looks great on you Roxy – you need it! I am just in love w/the bow on the back and on the pockets.My one beef w/this coat is the material – it's a little stiff, no? But adorable nonetheless. I wish I could find a 0 for Shannon and to try on!

  7. August 21, 2009 / 5:00 pm

    Love. That. Coat.Sorry Roxy! I know you want people to help you decide whether you should or should not buy the particular item, but I am a terrible Anthro enabler. Especially for coats. And especially for coats that lovely. But I'm sure you know the feeling.PS Have you seen the Hedy Platforms or the Couer Heels!?!?

  8. August 21, 2009 / 5:36 pm

    AL – funny you bring up the Hedy heels -I just posted them on my blog today – I am in love with them. Aren't they so gorgeous!??

  9. August 21, 2009 / 5:39 pm

    I say Out, I think there is going to be too many extremely cute coats coming out soon to Anthro, and your going to find somthing better…

  10. August 21, 2009 / 7:00 pm

    Oh yes did I ever spy the Hedy Platforms and I gasped at how wonderful they are. They immediately made me think of last year's City Siren Heels which is another one of those items I pine for. Much as I love Chie Mihara the Couer Heels aren't doing much for me. I don't understand the patch of leather on the toe — like the suede and silver. Natalie, I'm kind of with you here. There's always at least 4 or 5 Anthro coats I want. I'm wondering if I should wait.

  11. August 21, 2009 / 7:01 pm

    That should read I like the suede and silver. Just don't like the leather on the toe much.

  12. August 21, 2009 / 7:44 pm

    I am so happy I found this blog! I saw that coat and loved it, my boyfriend dissuaded me from buying it because I have a khaki trench that looks similar but now I'm kicking myself. Khaki and plaid are so different! =(

  13. August 21, 2009 / 7:53 pm

    Roxy I think you should wait it out….I think there will come a coat this season, that you will be obessed with, and you'll look back and think good thing I waited….or by then at least the trench will be on-sale Hedy heels OMG amAzInG I must have them too..

  14. August 21, 2009 / 8:04 pm

    I'm with you Natalie & Roxy – I think Anthro still has a lot of great coats to come! They always have the best the coats. I'd wait it out Roxy, or you could always get more than 1!

  15. August 22, 2009 / 2:16 am

    That leather patch I believe is supposed to be a heart, which is why the title is the French word for heart–except that they misspelled it. It should read "coeur." I actually sent Anthro and email about it, and they sent a nice, short note back. Of course, I had hoped that they might send a pair to thank me instead : )

  16. Anonymous
    October 1, 2009 / 12:01 pm

    Hey Roxy, It's been a chilly, windy few days in Toronto so I broke out my Inverness Trench. Although no one mistook me for Mrs. Peel, I do feel fabulous in it! It definitely keeps the wind out and the stand-up collar kept my neck toasty warm (haven't finished knitting my scarf to go with it yet).The closer fitting top and extra room on the bottom make it very comfortable for sitting in the car and on the train. Added Bonus: This shape, when worn over a skirt or dress, makes a very pretty silhouette when walking past windows! Jen

  17. October 1, 2009 / 12:19 pm

    I love the report Anon! Also love that you're making a scarf to go with it. Oh man, I want this coat!!


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