Wash and Wear

I won't say why or how, except I didn't cause it, but this icon trench was filthy. At first, I thought I'd relegate it for dire circumstances ... like if I knew I had to be packed onto a bus with a football team

that for some reason could not shower after a sweaty game.

But the coat was grungy enough I doubt I'd wear it even then.

Oh, I thought about taking it to the cleaners.

But I don't love the idea of spending a zillion dollars on something that may not come clean and I don't love the idea of dry cleaning chemicals. And since the football team scenario was unlikely, made one of those "what do I have to lose" decisions and threw it in the wash. Delicate cycle, cold water. Tumble dry low.
Surprise, suprise. It came out just fine.

And while it's not as crisp as before and should be lightly pressed,

I now happily wear it for the best situations.

I wore the washed trench over the above outfit when I went to:

With some good friends and we had pre-theater dinner here:

I ate every bit of:

British Columbia King Salmon

eggplant purée, soy bean, tamago, Thai curry and jasmine rice

Carried this:

Kate Spade book clutch.

And was not disappointed in any way. 

The evening far exceeded every expectation.

 

Many have wondered, some have asked and I said I'd try it so

I washed the minnie pant in bi-stretch wool.

Same way: delicate cycle, cold water, tumble dry low.

I measured before and after, the width shrunk by about 3/16".

Like jeans after they're washed and dried, they felt tightened up. 

Still quite wearable but more legging-like.

The bigger difference was the length, they're shorter by about 1/2".

 

 If you study the above carefully, you'll notice the more snug and bunched up washed minnie pant on the right. Slightly shorter.

For reference, I'm 5'2"-ish and wearing the regular length size 00.

Not sure if I prefer them before or after the wash and dry but I sure wish there was a way to shrink the waistband by about 2".

Then they'd be perfect. Like my recent evening out.

 

So have you had wash and wear dastardly disasters or surprise successes?

Happy Labor Day

On this Labor Day, I'm not working very hard at this post.

Why belabor the point? ;)

Encore Trench

Count me as another who lusted after the Encore Trench since its release, especially after seeing Burbon & Pearls photos. I just got mine and LOVES it too! I usually wear 0P or 00, and although the size 0 Icon Trench fits well, ordered a size 00 Encore Trench. I've only had time to try it on quickly and vaguely remember the length is good, just covering my knees (I'm 5'2"). It's a graceful length that works with the fullness of the skirt. I don't care if the color is good for me or not, whatever wrongs will be more than made up by the confidence I'll carry when wearing something you know looks great and makes you feel pretty. Like others, I love how this classic tailored coat has the lovely twist of the feminine full skirt and sweet surprise of the tulle underskirt. It's almost like wearing sexy underwear (kinda almost). One tiny bother: the pockets have to be unbuttoned for use. One tiny concern: wonder if the tulle skirt will pill a knit dress ...

Also see Trench Princess by tiffanyrose featuring a trench coat

What I Really Wore

Matching the scarf to the umbrella was only a little matchy-matchy! This was fun and warm and pretty cute IRL.

Also see Here's What I Was Planning to Wear by tiffanyrose featuring the Mackintosh Kilmany