Tuesday, October 25, 2011

J.Crew Review: Encore Trench

Encore trench
Click here for product page
Item 47739
Regular: $398.00
Now: $239.99

J.Crew describes this piece as follows:
The sartorial love child of an undercover agent and a prima ballerina, this classic trench transforms in an instant, thanks to a dramatic tulle crinoline that attaches to the inside waist of the jacket (so brilliant). Cotton. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Self belt. Welt pockets. Button-tabs at cuffs. Back vent with button-tab. Fully lined. Hits at knee. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores.
Most of us gasped when we first saw glimpses of this coat in the Fall sneak preview from awhile back. Pairing the classic styling of a trench coat with the girly flair of the full skirt... LOVES IT!

I knew I had to own this piece after Bourbon & Pearls reviewed this trench (formerly called the Ethel Trench). For reference, check out the "Fellow JCA Reviews the {beloved} Ethel Trench" post.

When I saw the Encore Trench go on sale, I knew I had to act fast. It wouldn't stick around the sale section forever. So as an early birthday gift, I ordered last week the Encore Trench. Good thing too, because it is already sold out!

Now with J.Crew's crazy sizing... I am usually a size 2 in outerwear with J.Crew. Although the past two seasons, I could go down to size 0. For this coat, I decided to stick with the same size I have for the Icon Trench (Item 11210, $298.00, now $199.99). I went with a size 2. I am glad I did, as the fit is perfect. (For reference, I'm 34B.)

The coat is longer than I realized, even on my 5'8 frame. Hits me right above the knee. I like the look and it works for me. But I am not sure if it would be considered too long for those with petite frames. It is worth trying on beforehand (if possible).

The interesting thing about this coat is that there are two belt loops in the back only. It could use another two towards the front of the jacket.

Also, if you were to leave the coat open, it looks okay. Why? Because the tulle totally shows. At least it can be easily removed via buttons along the top. (Of course, the fear is removing the tulle and putting it in storage. Then forgetting wear I put the tulle altogether.)

The full skirt of the coat is really quite stunning. It definitely dresses up any outfit in an instant. Because it is so full, I think it works best with skinny pants. (Although, I haven't tried the coat on with a trouser leg yet.)

I also found the "burnished khaki" quite lovely for Fall. A classic shade of khaki too. It's shade is darker than the "light khaki" of the Icon Trench.

Overall, I really like this coat. Definitely worth the sale price plus the additional 25-30% off (from the promotions of this week and last week).

For another perspective on sizing for this coat, J.CrewJD (in this post) shared her valuable insight:
... I think the consensus is you can either stick with your normal size or go one size up.

I went one size up, the same size I have in the icon trench. But I am kinda busty, and will want to wear layers underneath, and just found the one size up much more comfortable. If this helps, I have a 6 in the wool cashmere plaza coat, the stadium cloth boulevard trench, and a small in my long puffer, but I have an 8 in my lady day coat, icon trench, and encore trench. But I know of another JCA who got her normal size, and lives in a warm climate. I hope that's helpful!
What are your thoughts on the Encore Trench? Have you tried on this coat? If so, please share your review with us too! :)

38 comments:

  1. I love it too, Alexis! It's such a beautiful piece; so glad I bought it on sale before it sold out. Thanks for the review; I know alot of JCAs have been asking about sizing on this item.

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  2. Mine is on its way! I am so excited. I also ordered my normal size 2. I had a solid look at JCrewJD's sizing advice (Thanks JCrewJD!) and decided my normal size would be fine as I am small chested.
    I didn't realize it was sold out, I'm so glad I ordered it last week.

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  3. Great review, thanks for sharing! I splurged on the Icon trench last year and really only need one trench, otherwise I'd be sorely tempted by this one. :)

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  4. I admired this coat as well, but the color of it is why I didn't order it. I look better in colors with a blue undertone, not yellow undertone. The tulle underskirt is awesome, that is the part I love about this coat!

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  5. Vava,
    Same with me and my coloring!
    Lovely coat style though.

    I stocked up on trench coats when I lived in the U.K. (not going to mention how many I have) but I won't need to buy another in this lifetime:) LOL.

    If I did though, this is one pretty trench.

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  6. It's very pretty, but this style wouldn't suit me. I am glad it worked out well for you!

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  7. Great review Alexis. It's a beautiful trench and I'm sure you will love it for years to come. The feminine style looks so fresh compared to the menswear-inspired trenches that seem to the norm. Unfortunately the shape and color would never work for me, I'm glad a number of JCAs are able to get this beauty.

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  8. Great review and a stunning coat, one of those special JC items (like the Bella, my personal Gold Standard)) that will look beautiful for years.

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  9. Such a pretty coat! If I didn't have the Icon, I would have snapped it up. I was tempted, but managed to hold off...just barely! ;)

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  10. Very pretty coat! I was very tempted by it, but with the Icon trench already in my closet, I knew I would have a very hard time justifying it. I'm happy that many of the JCAs managed to snag this coat for such a great price!

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  11. off topic, but received an email invite to meet Tom Mora, head of women designs Nov. 3, 6-8 pm at the newly reopened San Francisco downtown location on Market.

    Get 15% off and, first ones to spend 150 get receive a 'chic accessory' handpicked by Tom.

    Who's going? :)

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  12. I have been eyeing it for weeks and was so excited to see this post re the same, but it's sadly unavailable online. :(

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. OT but I've noticed that people are still looking for a scanned version of the November catalog. Noticed it was up on Bichonluvr's closet:

    http://bichonluvrscloset.blogspot.com/

    Thanks, Bichonluvr!

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  15. Sorry, I just took a closer look. it's not the whole catalog. Just some selected scans. Hope it helps though.

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  16. eggytarty, I hope you are going and come back and report to the rest of us.

    I hope I get an invite when the Vancouver store opens EVENTUALLY.

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  17. I bought this on sale, before the 25% off sale so I didn't get the best price but still I love it. I have worn it everyday since I got it and received many compliments on it. I am short 5'3" and it is long on my frame. If I wear heals it looks good but I may have it hemmed up a few inches. I agree on the belt loops, a couple more would be great. I am thinking of maybe moving them down an inch too. The hit me just above my natural waist. But overall a beautiful coat.

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  18. J.Crew JD: I added your review to the bottom of the post. I think your take on sizing will help a lot of JCAs thinking about this coat.

    Everyone: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this coat!!! :)

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  19. I just got mine today and I LOVE it! It's just below knee on me which is perfect. I love how feminine it is for a tailored piece. I ended up going with my personal shopper's recommendation and sized down to a 0. I am a 0 or 2 in J. Crew coats and blazers. Keep in mind I live in Arizona and have no intention of layering under it. Still I have plenty of room. I am so glad I got it! Dani, can't wait to see it on you.

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  20. I'm honored, Alexis! Haha, I hope my advice is helpful. It'll pop back, I'm sure!

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  21. Count me as another who lusted after the Encore 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 (blush). One tiny bother: the pockets have to be unbuttoned for use. One tiny concern: wonder if the tulle skirt will pill a knit dress ...

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  22. Great review! Congratulations to all the JCAs who got one and love it! :)

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  23. tiffany rose, I'm so glad you said this: "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."
    That is exactly how I feel! I didn't even consider whether the color would work for me... it's a gorgeous coat and I love it. I tell myself that I can wear whatever I want as long as it makes me feel good, and that's what I do! This coat will definitely make me feel pretty.

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  24. There is a size 12 available RIGHT NOW on the site. If that's your size and you've got to have it, scoop it up!

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  25. Hope everyone is getting something fun with the extra 30%

    I reviewed the floral taffeta cafe capris (and the toile cafe capris again!) on my blog here

    and a quick PS to anyone still looking for the awesome encore trench. I know there are 8 or 10 left at the J Crew Store in Leawood, KS! (913) 469-0579

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  26. The Chic Chauffeur - do you know how much the price is at the store and if they're running the 30% promo? TIA!

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  27. Yes to the promo... and I believe it is priced at $199?

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  28. I love the idea of this coat but didn't consider buying it until now as I couldn't try it on anyway. All these positive reviews and the sale price are making me reconsider :) So thanks to the chic chauffeur I have my normal size on hold in KS.
    Can anyone tell me where it was $199 as Alexis posted? (The SA in KS quoted me $240)
    And sizing: I havent been able to try anything on until now but just bought the lace blouson dress in 4. I think the only JCrew coats I have are the travel trench in 4 and the Tuesday trench in 2. Do you think I should stick with a 4 in the Encore? Tia :)

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  29. I finally found a size 6 in New Jersey thanks to my PS. I was able to get the 30% on the reduced $239.00 price and then an additional 15% for a student discount (they did a one time courtesy over the phone). I just saw the charge on my card and it was $147.00 although which by my math means that they added tax (there is no sales tax in MN, where I live) so I will have to have that adjusted.

    I went with the 6. I'm typically a small or 4 in J.crew tops. I figured this would give me some room to put blazers and sweaters under it. I'm so excited and can't wait!

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  30. I received my Encore Trench and I am totally in love with it.
    mommydearest, I went with a size 2, which is the bigger of my JCrew coat sizes. For example my Icon trench is a size 0.
    The size 2 Encore fits perfect, it's a really beautiful garment.
    I've been styling it with some stuff from my closet and planning to post on it this afternoon!

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  31. Thanks DaniBP :). Can't wait to read your review and see it on you!

    Inboximpulse - do you mind telling mr where you found it? Tia :)

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  32. mommydearest: I found the trench at a store in NJ. The phone number is 856.988.9046. The sales associate that picked up the phone originally said that they did not carry collection items, but I asked her to look around and she ended up finding the trench. She didn't mention if she had any others but it's definitely worth a shot.

    Good luck! You can also email erica@jcrew.com and ask them for a list of stores with the coat in your size. That's how I started the process.

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  33. I may regret this later, but even though this jacket is fabulous, I am not going to keep the one I snagged. I have another trench coat that is very nice, and I am feeling guilty that I barely wear it. If you need a size 6, I will sell mine for $200 shipped. Let me know if you want it!

    aussie319@gmail.com

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  34. Thank you SO MUCH, chic chauffeur and inboximpulse!! Got it - fingers crossed it fits :D

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  35. J.CrewJD - Yep! I stayed away from yellow for decades thinking it was bad for my coloring. And maybe it is ... BUT! It's such a cheerful color it makes me smile when I wear it so how can that be a bad thing?!

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  36. I just got my Encore trench, and I love it! I have a maintenance question for others who got the trench. Does JCrew weatherproof their trenches? All the personal shopper I talked to could tell me was that the trench was best suited for light rain. Has anyone here had a professional cleaner weatherproof their trench?

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