Like so many others, I’m shopping my closet these days
It’s not because I’m thrifty (I wish… ) or picky (yes, definitely) but because I’m sorting through my possessions and decluttering like a KonMari addict on steroids…
The way I see it, the less stuff (including clothes) I have to take to the new flat, the better. So, I’m trying to postpone new season shopping (for the most part) till after the move.
Anyway… I came across this Zara trench (yes, I know, it’s fast fashion, I have sinned…) that I’ve had for… well, forever, it seems. It’s definitely something I could part with: the quality is not very good, it’s not particularly warm, and it’s certainly not windproof or waterproof. Honestly, a good windbreaker with a hood would be a far more practical piece in my neck of the woods…
But I’m not getting rid of the trench. Not yet, anyway.
Why, you might ask… Well, I may not like the quality of the coat, but I love the colour. This is the perfect ‘neutral’ (or ‘fake neutral’) colour for me: it goes with anything, and it’s more flattering to my natural colouring than most neutrals.
So, I’m keeping the trench, for now. Until I can find a replacement.
And, when I talk about replacing items in my wardrobe, I actually mean upgrading my wardrobe, little by little: less fast fashion, more good quality clothes. It’s a slow process, but I think it’s worth it.
Outfit details:
coat: Zara (old) cardigan: Esprit / trousers: Ril’s (old) /
bag: Furla (old) / shoes: Clarks (old) / sunglasses: Woobs / scarf: A + more(old)
Tiina
Are you upgrading your wardrobe?
Linking up with:
Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Doused in Pink, Not Dressed As Lamb, Living on Cloud Nine, Elegance and Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I, Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, Independent Fashion Bloggers
It is a good color and length on you!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, Mireille! I agree: it’s perfect in that respect.
It’s a nice trench, its colour really works as a neutral and you look fab in it. Love the colour combo and the cool accessorizing, so fab that your bag and scarf match!. Elegant and cool indeed!
I totally agree about ‘upgrading’ this kind of pieces, as I’m also in the hunt for a lightweight raincoat, but it’s difficult to find the right length and colour for my taste. Waterproof and comfort are my priorities anyway!. I’m really picky concerning coats, they’re an expensive item and get lots of wear.
besos
Author
Thanks! Yes, it makes sense to be picky about big ticket items such as coats. You don’t want to replace them every year. However, I also find that living in a country with a long winter means that I need more than one (or two, or five) coats. But I don’t want to have a closet full of coats either…
This is a nice color on you. Keep it! When I replace items in my closet I agree with you, replace up in quality. I try to buy the best I can afford but there isn’t always that option in my size or colors.
Author
Thanks, Natalie. Yes, I love the colour, but I’m willing to upgrade if I come across something similar. Isn’t it amazing how little choice there is in shops? I never find anything I like! Or not in my colour, or size, just as you said.
I agree! I find myself wanting less and less and absolutely DREADING having to shop for clothes. As a result, I am committed to only buying quality pieces that either fit beautifully or can be altered to fit beautifully. Now, when I find something that works, I buy it in several colors, which I never used to do. Love the blue trench and the whole look!
Author
I know, I hate shopping. I really, really hate it. I never find anything I like. And if I do, I snap it up as fast as I can, and in every colour I like…
The trench coat a really pretty color! And is it truly fast fashion if you’ve had it for years? 🤔
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Author
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, you have a point: this is turning fast fashion into slow fashion, in a way.
I like the trench coat and the color on you. If I could find somethng I actually liked, I’d buy it. I went online looking for a few new sweaters and found it frustrating. I don’t know if it’s me or what but I find that I don’t like alot of the fashion out there right now. Finding quality clothing is a chore. Right now I’m not going many places (covid) so I feel maybe I can just keep what I have. I hope you find some new,quality pieces that you love. Arlene from NJ
Author
Thanks, Arlene.
I know what you mean about being frustrated with the selection these days. I seldom find anything I like, whether in shops or online. And whenever I do, I snap it up as fast as I can. But I’m not willing to compromise on quality (not anymore) or style, either. So, I guess I’ll just be shopping less…
I love the colour of the trench coat, it looks great on you. The scarf contrasts nicely with it too. I try to upgrade to better quality when I can too, it makes sense in terms of value per wear. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Thanks, Emma.
Yes, the value per wear is what we should be focusing on instead of the price tag.
Can’t beat a trench coat whatever colour! Jacqui x
Author
Exactly!
I’d keep this and not worry about replacement only after this is worn out. This has classic cut, the colour works so well on you and other colours you wear regularly in the pictures, that it will be very hard to replace. And it is handy to have one coat that is not too warm and is classic style.
I’d like to read your thoughts on upgrading. I’ve very mixed feelings about high street fashion. A little bit and even the more expensive clothes are mostly equally bad for environment and human rights. So they are not really an alternative to high street fashion in my opinion. On the other hand, if the item was already made and is here and I buy it, use it myself until the end of it lifecycle which in many cases is years and then I recycle it properly, is that really a shameful thing to do? -q
Author
I have mixed feelings about high street fashion, too. I haven’t stopped buying fast fashion completely (I just don’t like such absolute rules), but I’m more conscious of what I buy and how often. And as you said, ethical concerns are not limited to fast fashion, which can make shopping quite challenging in many ways.
The color is really great on you and it is a pretty trench. It’s shame the quality is lacking. Hopefully, you find the perfect replacement that checks all your boxes! I love the whole outfit. Thanks for linking.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks! I haven’t really been actively looking for a replacement, but I try to keep my eyes open, just in case…