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Ask Angie and others: Apex Grace jacket for travel

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So...my search for the perfect trench coat for my New York trip (and after) continues. Brick and mortar shopping is not possible for me here because the spring coats are not yet in my stores (although I may get a few hours in Toronto on Sunday if I am lucky and they should be in stores there).

But since ultimately, I really want a good trench, I would rather not settle just to get something for this trip. And this is making me wonder if, for the trip, I should branch out a little and reconsider options.

I was NOT thinking of a gear type coat. But. I REALLY like the urban clean-lined, slightly mod look of the Apex Grace and it sounds as if it could suit my purposes nicely. It is no longer available in store, but I have found it on Ebay at a vastly reduced price in Moonlight ivory which sounds like winter white rather than soul sucking stone. Winter white is a great colour for me and would be nice in the spring. And this colour has the advantage of showing the logo less. (I hate logos...feh!)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/North-.....500wt_1294

The problem? I don't know if size xs would fit. There are no returns. And the only seller that mails to Canada is offering a coat with a bit of dirt on the sleeve. (The stain is probably removeable, but who knows for sure?) I could have one of the others mailed to our friends in New Haven if I felt confident about the fit.

I DO think this is a coat I would wear quite often post-travel. Probably not as often as I would wear it if I lived on the west coast; this soft shell type of jacket is perfect for that weather. But the style is pretty much perfect for MOTG in my casual city; would be good with jeans but also would work in a pinch over my sheath dress, I think.

Whether it would be dressy enough to wear sightseeing in New York I don't know. I was hoping only to take one coat with me.

Advice?

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith1953

Isabel

Veteran

Oh boy, this is tough. I just don't like taking the chance on non-returnable things. I don't even do final sales, unless I have something similar and I am just buying another color. First, I love the coat. I had considered this for a while a couple of years ago.

Have you searched on the net for a place that has reviews and measurements ? It might tell you how the coat runs. I find that sports gear, in general tends to run smaller because it is generally slimmer.

Also, what type of trench are you looking for ? A warm one with a liner that is waterproof ? The following is completely waterproof and machine washable, I owned one for about 18 years ( it doesn't fit me anymore, so I am getting another ). ( Travelsmith is having a rainwear event. Some come with thinsulate liners. There are some fab colors. Just be sure to read the description to make sure it is waterproof. If the will not ship to Canada, you can ship to my house and I will ship to you . )

http://www.travelsmith.com/wat.....stIndex=12

http://www.travelsmith.com/the.....strategy=8

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Wow! Looks uber fab but I wouldn't risk it if it is no returns.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, you are so sweet. I will consider this. Ideally I'd like a warmer trench, yes, perhaps with liner, perhaps not...it depends.

Angie has recommended the Apex Grace in the store! And we have a few members who've given it positive reviews. I agree the fit is likely to be snug. Reviews on the sizing are mixed. I found a bunch on Nordstrom. I find that sometimes people fail to give enough detail about their own shape/size to be able to judge. But based on what I've read, I suspect, on me, the xs might basically fit, but the sleeves may be long. And it might be too snug for layering. However, even that is hard to say; I often find it possible to layer where others don't.

Isabel

Veteran

Suz, Altrec has something similar with a no quibble, lifetime return.

http://www.altrec.com/the-nort.....ace-jacket

http://www.altrec.com/merrell-.....ted-jacket

You could always ship to me ( free shipping ) and I could ship to you and could could try it out. If it doesn't work, send it back to me and I will return it. I suppose you could also return from Canada...duh .

Vildy

Veteran

I may be an outlier here. I used to live in Manhattan and afterward spent years regularly visiting my parents nearby and frequently going into the city to attend things. I'm a person who is way over on the side of dressy, still the concept of dressing up Enough to sightsee in New York is foreign to me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Heheh, Vildy, you see, I am using my New York trip as an excuse to get more dressed up than usual!! Well...in my fantasy life I would use it that way, at least. And believe me, that Apex Grace jacket qualifies as a "dressy" coat where I live; Angie calls it perfect for her uber casual clients!

Anonymous

I don't know I would take an off white coat as my only option for a trip. it might not be the more practical choice. What if it gets stained or soiled? As far as the ebay issue with the stain and final sale, that is something I try to avoid but I have taken my chances on things like this, so I understand.

I am not sure if I remember correctly but I think you might be going to an event, right? That parka might be too casual for an evening event. Then again, there are people who do not consider this to be a problem, since you usually leave the coat/ jacket at the coat check.

Di you own anything else? If not, I think a classic trench is usually a good investment. I have this trench, in black, from a few seasons ago. it fits really nicely and can be punked up or toned down as needed.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=656191

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, again, Isabel - you are a total sweetie to offer to have things shipped to you. I think, sadly, the "Stella" North Face jacket is a very different creature from the old Apex Grace. It is not made of the same kind of material and the styling is SO much more "gear like." Ditto the Merrell jacket, which also fits big around the middle, not good for my frame.

Zapotee - thank you, too. I am looking for a non beige, non black coat. Both colours are awful on me, esp. beige. Black is a "maybe" but it really is not great for my complexion and for something I plan to have for a long time, I'd rather not. I've found some navy coats online but can't try them on so feel reluctant to purchase.

I was worried the Apex coat might seem too casual, too. The event I have to attend is not an evening event (an afternoon book talk) so I don't think it would be a problem for that. But we will be going out to dinner and the theatre while away.

I have my red wool coat, definitely dressy enough. But I worry first that it will be too warm for me (I usually stop wearing my wool coats in Canada at the end of February or early March) and also that it wouldn't be practical in the (probable) rain.

Anonymous

Express has a trench on multiple colors currently.
http://www.express.com/classic.....ro#jsLinks

Also, colored trenches are abundant in NYC, at the moment. I have seen them at Mango, H&M, Express etc.... You can always but something here,IMO.

Anonymous

I'm torn. It looks like a great color on you and a practical coat, but who knows if it will fit. Can you email the seller to get measurements and a picture of the stain on the sleeve?

Isabel

Veteran

REI has them in a small for $199 :

http://www.rei.com/product/826.....1b2166becc

and if you are willing to consider grey, this place has a small for $80.

http://www.evo.com/outlet/rain.....ign=Nextag

also, just for the record, I find that waterproof coats don't stain very much. My travelsmith never got a stain and was easily sponged off or machined washed when it got dirty. But I won't buy another really light color rain coat.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Zap and Isabel, you are shopping whizzes!!

I saw those Express coats on Rae's travel thread, Zap. They are fun colours for sure. I would like to see them to try the weight, etc. Maybe you are right; the best thing to do is buy the darn coat there! But it might be tough to find my size by the time I get down there (late March). And of course I don't want to spend my whole time shopping...or go with nothing to wear in the hope of finding something.

Isabel, you are so sweet. But those Grace jackets aren't the same. They're the new model and it is nowhere near as stylish as the old one. The front pockets, the fabric...all of it says GEAR loud and clear, whereas the old Apex Grace jacket says STYLE and whispers gear. Know what I mean?

I actually have an Eddie Bauer goretex parka I could take if necessary. It is too big, and DEFINITELY reads GEAR but it does keep me dry. I'd just like a more fashion-forward type of coat if I could find it.

Thank you again for all your help; you are lovelies! And I will keep you all posted.

Isabel

Veteran

Darn !!! I have become totally obsessed with this , LOL !!!!!

I used to travel allot for work and outerwear was just soooo important. I once spent a week in Edinburgh freezing and wet. We spent one whole day outside, touring and I was just so miserable that I couldn't really enjoy it. I VOW to NOT let that happen to you in NYC....it never happened to me again. And, though I don't really enjoy traveling anymore, I want to go back to Edinburgh just to dress appropriately this time : )

On the flip side, last year I was in Washington, DC for 4 days. Again, mostly on foot and on the subway. It rained the entire time. One day was freezing, one was pretty warm. I wore my travelsmith with and without the liner. It was just so cozy !

You are so right in making sure you are prepared for this.

Well, good luck !

Vildy

Veteran

I'll tell ya, I see what you mean about that version of the Apex. It really is a great looking
jacket that seems incredibly versatile.

I used to wear white and off white coats in cities all the time and it doesn't do them any favor. I used to wear out my wool coats with the frequent cleanings. But if it's weatherproof you can do as suggested and just wipe it off. I think it'd be worth it for you to hold out for a coat this color, it would light up your face. And if it got washed a little more often and wore out a little sooner, so what, eh..

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I actually really like that coat! To me it doesn't seem that "gearish" at all. Perhaps it's not as suave as a trench coat but it seems more funky than sporty to my eye. I'd wear it to fairly dressy events, too -- maybe not the opera or a black tie event, but I don't think it would be out of place at a fairly nice restaurant.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I know, Mander. I think those clean lines are what made it speak to Angie. And when you consider that the hood can be removed (lessening the "gear" appearance even further) it seems like a potential winner.

I wonder if North Face cuts are similar. I.e. if I tried on the more recent Grace coat if the fit might be similar. That way I would know about the fit at least.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My thumbs are down on the North Face, Suz. Sorry :(. I've seen that topper and it's gear

How about this. It comes in petite, and it's a raincoat. The Gallery brand is 100% weatherproof and well made to boot:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ga.....ltback=138

I vote yellow.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I don't have an advice on the coat mut I am amazed that you stop wearing winter coats in early March in Kingston! Today in March 5th and I am wearing my puffer and shearling lined winter boots because it was -12C in the morning!
This winter has been unusually warm but usually my trenchs do not come out to play until April...
Angie, that yellow trench is so much fun!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, Angie. Thank you. I saw the Gallery coat. And think it looks fab. But yellow is THE absolute worst colour for me. EVER. I cannot wear it anywhere near my face. I love love love sunny yellow. For years I have painted large parts of my home in yellows and golds, I love it so much. But I cannot wear it.

Okay, back to the drawing board. And thank you all for weighing in.

Sveta, you are right - today is cold enough for wool, for sure! But Kingston gets rainy starting around now (well, maybe a week or two from now...) and wool is not the best then. Yes, it keeps one relatively dry except in a full downpour, but it just doesn't feel right (to me). So I tend to start layering with jackets and a rain type coat on top. I expect New York to be a bit warmer than Kingston in late March, so think a (warmer) rain coat would be a better bet than wool.

chouette22

Veteran

I see that Angie just voted that coat down, but I do have to tell you that I absolutely LOVE it. I think this is so perfect for your active lifestyle (walking everywhere). To me it really does not look like gear, but rather like a very sleek, sporty long jacket. And since the hood is removable... It's about the best looking outerwear I have seen in a while. The color adds some elegance to it as well. Regarding the size: If you don't fit into an x-small, then I don't know who will. However, it is a lottery and one can never be completely sure. And then there is that stain as well. Are there other bets on the coat already? If not, maybe you could offer a lower price to the seller, given the stain? I have done that a couple of times (without stain or anything), and each time my offer got accepted right away.
Also, trying on other similar North Face cuts is certainly the way to get as close an idea as possible. Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, I wear a black trench pretty often. And Sveta makes a GREAT point about wool. I am still in my wool coats.

I thought about the yellow and remembered that it was not your colour. I thought that a blue scarf of sorts might be a solution - which is why I went ahead and posted it anyway.

missvee

Veteran

I think you should wear your wool coat - even when the temperatures are a bit higher it can be damp. Just take an umbrella with you. That way you can shop for a raincoat while you are there, and if you find one, you can wear it !

Anonymous

I just noticed you will be visiting NYC in March. It is still pretty cold here for a trench. You might want to bring another coat as well.
See average temperatures chart below:
http://www.ny.com/general/weather.html

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So interesting....I must run super warm or something. For me, anything over 40F is pretty much spring coat weather...assuming that I'm layering, of course. If I were just wearing one layer I would want my wool coat. But I would likely be wearing a blazer or other similar jacket underneath, plus a top of some kind. I say that because I'm a confirmed jacket lover who wears one every chance she gets!

I appreciate all your thoughts and will weigh them carefully. I definitely don't want to be too cold, and after all, I really love my wool coat. So in a way, why the heck not wear it? Makes a lot of sense. Thanks all!

Anonymous

The wind factor plays a big role here. Also, Manhattan is generally colder since it is by the water. The only part of NYC in mainland is the Bronx, actually. Also, the skyscrapers tend to create some sort of vacuum, the wind blows and chills you to the core. It feels a lot colder that the thermometer says. But hey, you are coming from Canada, so this is probably summer for you!
Good luck finding a trench!!!!

Debora

Veteran

Zap has an excellent point about the wind tunnels created by the skyscrapers. Suz, here's what I was wearing for outerwear last year when I visited NYC during the last week of March. I remember it being pretty chilly, but it's hard to know what to expect with this crazy mild winter weather we are having. I say bring your wool coat and shop Manhattan for a fab trench!

ETA: There is a North Face store on the Upper West Side, and I'm pretty sure there is a store in Soho, too. DD bought her black puffer at the UWS store her very first winter in NYC.

http://nymag.com/listings/stores/north-face/

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Debora, that is such a pretty coat you are wearing! I love it!

My wool coat would be a similar weight.

But yes, I am thinking this year is so much warmer. We have snowdrops blooming already here in Kingston! Unheard of.

This is such an interesting discussion. My husband is convinced that I'll be hot in my wool coat. Because, Zap, you are right - I'm coming from Canada. Actually, the climate in Kingston is very very similar to Manhattan except colder in winter and not quite as hot and humid in summer. (Toronto is more like Manhattan that way). So that's the thing...I am coming from a colder place to what (for me) is a relatively warmer place.

catgirl

Veteran

I have no coat advice, but I will tell you that I find New York FREEZING in winter. The wind and the damp and the whole blasting heat in the subways then emerging into frigid city air is much more difficult to me than where I live! Even in Brooklyn it feels like a giant wind tunnel.

rae

(website)

Veteran

This may be totally off base but, in case it helps, my ears perked up today when someone mentioned waterproofing spray for cotton and canvas. I have not researched 100% yet, but it could be helpful since most of the truly waterproof trenches I've seen have not come in XS and have been pretty gear-ish. Could widen your options, in the event that you find something awesome that happens to not be waterproof.

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