Lipstick Stains: In the Trenches We Go

The Trench Coat holds a beautiful place in my heart because it is as iconic as fashion can get. This single article of clothing holds the power of romance and mystery that is depicted in almost every movie during the 40's-50's-60's (Breakfast At Tiffany's). When women wore the Trench Coat it symbolised a moment of empowerment during a time where women were left powerless. They were able to take a masculine piece of clothing and turn it into a positive symbol of feminity and sexuality...That, ladies and gentlemen, is the beauty and timelessness of fashion.

The trench coat was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War (Thank you Wikipedia). It's fame to claim has been debated over between both Burberry and Aquascutum, with Aquascutum's claim dating back to the 1850s. Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, submitted a design for an army officer's raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901.

Now that our little fashion history lesson is over let's highlight the many ways that a Trench Coat can completely change (for the better) your rainy day! It is of the utmost importance to find a jacket the best suits your style and body shape. The length should always be proportionate to your body (e.g. If you have a smaller frame, for the love of God please do not go peek-a-boo pervert long, it's just not flattering under any circumstance). As far as the collar goes, I always lean toward a well defined and harder collar so you can pop it up very discreetly to give you that mysterious allure we've taken from 40's Glamour Movies.

Lastly, the issue of color is always a personal one. If you want a Trench Coat that can be worn more then once, stick to the classic colors and neutral tones...It is an entirely different story if you want a show piece...then go crazy with colors and patterns and make that jacket the centerpiece of your outfit!