It is a positively miserable day here today - blowing, cold, snowy - so what do we do in Winnipeg on that kind of day when it's a holiday? Why, we go shopping of course!

I went specifically to Cleo Petite to get the black/white B44 knock off that I posted about a while ago. It is 30% off (sale ending today) so despite the weather, off I went. I got my usual size, but the size smaller also fit (whoo hoo!). It was just a little more body con and I wasn't looking for that so went with my regular size. This isn't a K/R - just wanted to show you what I bought.

While there, however, I fell in love with this charcoal trench for spring - you know, for when spring actually arrives here! I tried on the navy one I had posted about before but absolutely hated it on me. This one I'm showing you has no defined waist. It does have a kick pleat in the back, but it's stitched shut for the moment. It fits well in the shoulder and I can layer a blazer underneath, which is absolutely crucial for me as I wear a lot of blazers to work. It is a petite size and I think the length works ok with a dress. In the store, I tried it on with my jeans and it looked nice. I like the slight trapeze shape (retro to me) and the large collar, which can be done right up to the top. I also like the deep pockets.

I like the charcoal colour - neutral but not black. I tried it on as well in a coral colour which was lovely but just not as versatile. This is not a shape which is traditionally flattering however, with there being no waist definition and that is where my keep/return question comes in to play. What do you think?

ETA: It's interesting when looking at these pictures of the trench and the dress. This isn't at all how they look in my mirror - in the pictures, I'm not sure I like either of these pieces and yet when I look at myself IRL and in my mirror, they look much, much better. This just confuses me.