Okay I haven't read through the thread yet so will get back to that, but...

a) you look cute, I like the country punk goes to the office...even with the trench.

b) Is it the color you don't like? It likes you. I like the cut/buttons. Dye it! Tie-dye it! Or wait is it not cotton...

Hated but useful? I wear the worst decision (but still soft) pants with the most unflattering or goofy t shirts when working in the studio. I figure that a) they will wear out and get destroyed sooner. b) that is what everyone else is wearing in my group studio.

Floral shower caps- useful but oh so ugly!

Your first and second observations--it no longer fits as well as it used to, and it has spots on it (can they be removed or is the coat permanently stained?)-- seem compelling enough to move this coat out of your closet and life. Actually, either of them by itself would be reason enough.

Curious to know what you decide.

Hmm, I have a trench I don't wear. Wonder if it's the same syndrome for me. I tried to get a not basic style and I've liked when I did wear it, but it hasn't been often and I don't think to reach for it. My gripe with mine is that it is a petite, and just the tiniest bit high waisted (even on my already high waist). Guess I could just move the belt loops down 3/4". Duh. lol

Thanks for the pics. That's not a classic trench coat. I vote pass on and get something you love, Rachy.

You are a charming Country Punk. xo

Oh, I appreciate you coming back and evaluating the coat, Angie! Hehe. I guess its day is done.

p.s. Windchime, of course the reality is, it won't go anywhere until I've got something else that can do what it does.

p.p.s. Mo... I feel... I feel classics are a conundrum, because I don't see myself as classic. And any whiff of classic gets me in a dust-up with myself. I mean I think a trench coat is classic - no matter what it looks like (note Angie had to tell me it wasn't a classic trench). It's the essence of the thing.

p.p.p.s. Just thought I'd mention this coat has a collar (like the kind you can pop up) - it's detachable, and I always leave it off.

So... what sort of longer coat could play with punk-lite and dial it down at the same time? How would one even begin to approach the search?

Questions questions!

That's a great coat. I like it!

That's funny. cciele nailed something that I was wondering about too. I don't think the shape of your current coat is very you, rl. It is too slim traditional. It's much more something I would wear than you. I've never gotten the impression that you like the look of a fitted waist (even if it shows off your slim little middle!). Why not something with a bit more masculine shape? I get the impression that you want to wear this for your more formal, conservative, buttoned-down sort of work needs. Is that right? How about something in the shape of what cciele linked to, but less extreme? I'm thinking something along the lines of Flora and Amos walking to the meeting of the Quivering Brethren, only maybe just a smidge more fitted. Signed, The K.

You are very wise, K. And sharp. You're right, I've never articulated it in my head, but I don't like fitted waists. (Maybe it was that slim, traditional fit that made me feel it was *too classic* for me.) And, yes, what I need, I need for my button-down workplaces.

... what a great excuse to watch Cold Comfort Farm again

I've always got your back, RL!

ETA: This is something like what I am thinking of. If only it wasn't white. http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Coat-i.....17&sh.

Or this? http://us.asos.com/Noisy-May-T.....&Rf98.

Ooh. I like that first one a lot. It comes in blue. I don't think it can replace the ugly trench, but it's a cool coat...