The Kate Spade ‘Topliner’ trench is perfection in my eyes. Its black trim, perfectly oversized and rounded lapels, and attention to detail (you can’t see it here but the lining is a gorgeous Florence Boardhurst pattern that I’ve used as the border here) are the stuff of dreams. While I’m hardly the type to spend $700 on a jacket (I typically save that sort of investment $$ for bags), I would totally make an exception for this trench.
Unfortunately, the ‘Topliner’ trench goes up to a 14, a few sizes shy of what I wear. Given the fact that I can’t remember the last time I was a 14 (maybe what, middle school??), I started searching for a suitable alternative. I came across the Piped Trench by So Fabulous and while it certainly isn’t a perfect match, it works. I would probably swap out the included belt for different one (maybe a black one?) to increase the contrast, but at less then 1/10th of the price of the ‘Topliner,” this coat is a pretty good alternative.
Another option is to take Jessica Quirk’s advice and make my own! 😉 With my limited sewing skills though…I might just end up with a ruined trench, a pile of tangled trim, and throbbing fingertips.
What do you ladies do when you fall in love with a design that doesn’t come in your size? Shop for alternatives? Make it yourself? DIET? (Just kidding! Don’t yell at me.) I want to know! ♥
I pin clothes that i like/inspire me on Pinterest and keep my eyes open for something similar in my size. More often than not on the UK high street, you'll be able to find an alternative if you're a smaller plus size. If you're a little larger, the places to shop are limited. But there are some great websites out there!
Agreed–LOVE Pinterest, and online shopping is a lifesaver! hehe 🙂
I actually saw a trench just like those at Marshalls last week, it was a Cynthia Rowley. Maybe check those stores out too?
I tend to shop for alternatives when I fall in love with something that doesn't come in my size, or, make it myself. I do lots of sewing.
ooh, I love TJ Maxx! 😀 hehe I wish I could sew–I don't even have a sewing machine! lol
I love trench coats! That So Fabulous trench is gorgeous. I think I like it better than the Kate Spade one.
http://www.laptopsandlipgloss.blogspot.com
nice post 🙂
Hi Allison. I know what you're going through and I would suggest is finding yourself the best tailor in your local area that understands your size. Using the trench coat as an example, the black trim detail and design on the Kate Spade trench coat can easily be added on a plainer trench coat that comes in your size. Luckily, you found one!
http://www.ninnalu.typepad.com
Why are the European sizes much smaller?? Ughhh.
Lovely!
Have you ordered from So Fabulous before? I'm always wary of new sites!
I haven't gotten anything from this brand, but it's offered on very.com, which is totally legit, AND it has free shipping and returns if the trench ends up not working for you! 🙂