i violated my self-imposed shopping ban. somehow, i ended up at marshall's. i think i was just checking on a pair of shoes i had been obsessing about (just visting, wasn't going to buy, they were gone anyway).
i found this Michael by Michael Kors black trench for $58.
pros: i don't own a trench coat, so it would be a good staple at a good price. it has a removable liner so it would strectch from early spring to late fall.
cons: i really shouldn't spend money on this right now (hence the shopping hiatus). it's Michael by Michael Kors, so should i be so excited? when i got home i noticed the label said "made in hong kong" which for some reason bothered me.
i think i would definately wear it, but if the consensus is that it's not all that special or a totally great deal, i'll return it and buy a trench when i have money to spend on shopping. i have not been dying for a trench coat, but it's one of those things i think i should have (but could wait for).
a black trench is CLASSIC! definitely keep it. just next time you see yourself being drawn to something with less wardrobe staying power... like a pair of funky shoes or a purse that you don't really *need*... then just remind yourself that you bought this fabulous trench and you are on a shopping hiatus.
BUT PLEASE DO NOT RETURN IT!... it will well earn the money you spent on it!
I like it, and if it's a staple that you'll actually wear a ton I say keep it. Just because you weren't looking for something doesn't mean you shouldn't get it when the right thing comes along. Whenever I pass something like this up, I spend months thinking "Ohhh, that (fill in item here) would have gone perfect with this". If you like the idea of a MK trench better than you like this actual coat, return it.
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I will be the voice of dissent. I think you should take it back, but that's because I have no self control. If I'm on something like a spending hiatus I can't just biy one thing and stop there. I'm a very all or nothing person so I would have to take it back just so that I didn't keep buying more things. Also, trenches are nice, classic pieces, but I'm sure you could find another one later on for that price, even though it is a good deal.
I also will be the voice of dissent. In my opinion, a classic piece isn't something that you think you should have. If you really will wear it a ton, it fits like a dream, you will feel super wearing it, and would love to have it in your wardrobe- then keep it. But you said you were not dying for a trench- perhaps you should return it and then let the money grow. During that time, you can evaluate your closet for what you really do need. Do not be blinded by the fact that it is Michael by Michael Kors. I can not speak for this lower end designer line specifically, but a lot of them are not that great. This trench looks like a lot that I've seen at places like Burlington Coat Factory. I am not knocking this store, I just think that you can definitely find this coat again for the same price or less. I will take this all back if it fits wonderfully on you. If not, just return it and don't look back.
i decided to keep it. right now i'm not thinking trench, but i was looking last spring and i know as soon as spring rolls around i will be psyched to have it.
as far as the made in hong kong thing, when i saw it i flashed to a post about fake sevens being sold on ebay with the seller in hong kong, and then started wondering if they would have fake stuff at marshalls (why they would bother faking the Michael line, i'm not sure) -- anyway, that was just my initial word vomit - stream of conciousness about the coat. after trying it on 20 more times with various spring outfits, i'm very happy about it. so thanks for all the help.