Do you mean a fake? Or just a cheap, similar coat? I wouldn't buy a fake. That's just cheesy imho! But there's nothing wrong with just buying something similar.

*sheepish* Take the Fifth.

Dissertante, lol! Don't worry, it is your decision. But if you pass up this coat, rest easy...the right coat WILL come along for sure.

As for knockoffs, I confess I was eyeing this copy of a Burberry ruffled trench that Kate Middleton wore. It's so right up my style alley! It's on sale for $45 as opposed to $1200, but alas it's sold out. Plus I'm not sure the khaki color would work on my skin tone anyways and I think I probably look better in single breasted trenches. It's from New York & Company--never heard of it but I think it's probably considered a knockoff rather than a fake? They had a whole line of copy-Kate looks. Not sure where that stands on the ethics line.
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....cat1050002
http://whatkatewore.com/2011/0.....-and-more/

I've always loved the *idea* of owning a real Burberry trench though! Maybe someday!

I think the difference with a knock-off is that you're really not trying to fool anyone. A fake will actually have a "Burberry" (or whatever designer) logo/mark/whatever on it. I'm guessing most knock-offs are different enough not to infringe on copyrights?? I saw a sweater at H&M today that, at first glance, looked EXACTLY like one I'd seen at Banana Republic. On closer inspection, though, the fabric was much cheaper, but obviously it did not say "BR" on the tags!

Goldenpig, the example of Kate's trench (and knock-off) is a good one. You can see that the knock-off appears to be made of a different fabric (the drape is different), the buttons are different and are placed slightly differently, the color is not the same, etc. It's similar, and quite stylish, but it's not meant to fool the viewer!

IMHO, if someone is willing to buy a fake, they care more about the label than the actual quality of the garment or the design (since the designer makes no money from a copy). I think it's kind of dishonest. Why do I want everyone to think I'm wearing Burberry (or Coach, or what have you) when I'm not??

Sounds like you can afford it. I would recommend this one http://www.net-a-porter.com/pr.....38-_-slot1
over the silk one.

Costs less ($1095), is classic, and practical. The silk one might be in that "imaginary lifestyle" category for you, whereas the classic rain coat could be used on an every day basis. The cost per wear would not be too high even in a year or two.

How about this London Fog faux-silk trench? On sale for $129. Water-resistant with a zip-out liner and machine washable too.
http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....-rec-3887T
I know it's not the same, but maybe a little more practical and if you decide not to get the expensive silk coat it might be a good "placeholder" until your budget allows you to get the coat of your dreams!

NY and Co is an ok brand, as far as I know -- at least, it's a label that I am familiar with. I think they do a lot of mid-priced work wear stuff, and quite a few plus sizes, so I see them at Ross and such a lot.

At any rate, I think the political and social subtext of clothing and other products is one of the things that make fashion interesting. And I wouldn't assume that you are not being judged in one way or another for, say, using a Mac versus a cheap netbook, or Windows vs. Linux, etc. I do think that in an academic setting people are more likely to have a heightened awareness of these things, so I'd consider them carefully.

On the other hand, if you love it and can afford it, then have at it! I'd imagine you can resell it later and get some money back from it if you get tired of it.

My husband is a professor and I am a scholarly editor with a Ph.D. Be aware that you would stand out in that coat on any college campus I have visited (lots). If you wore it to a campus interview, I think there is a significant chance that faculty interviewing you would construe it as evidence that you don't understand the nature of the job and its likely salary.

Are you in a law or M.B.A. program? The story may be different there.

I'd suggest that you use your money for travel (research or otherwise), a good computer, a nice but not flashy interview suit, or a leather briefcase or portfolio (Levenger or Coach range--not Valentino). Or save it--in case you do not land a suitable job in your field immediately.

I am with MaryK on this one. Velma has some very valid points.

Hoo boy, so many variables here! And of course, "splurge" is relative. One person's splurge is another's no-brainier. When I was in grad school, a splurge was a $150 pair of boots at Nordstrom (this is almost 20 years ago), but I've always been a bargain shopper. Of course I don't own those boots anymore, and that's fine. I don't still own or wear anything from that long ago, as my style and needs a have changed a lot from my 20s to my 40s.

On the other hand, I also understand how an item can get under your skin, and once you have that *specific* item in your radar, no pale substitute will do. There have been a couple of times I've bought a cheaper version of my ideal item and actually wished I'd gone all in for the original. The most recent example was that tiered striped Bailey 44 dress and the Cha Cha Vente version that cost one- third of the price at Macy's. Fortunately, I was able to return the CCV and find the B44 in my size.

Coincidentally, I just splurged on a Burberry trench while in NYC to meet up with the YLF ladies, but it was this one:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/....._QZCoPQfIw

That was just a couple of weeks ago, and I've already worn it at least a half dozen times. I'm not even a huge Burberry fan (often a little too classic/conservative for my taste), but that teal color won me over in a big way. And of course, it didn't hurt that it was on sale. But it is also endlessly practical. I would be concerned about the practicality of a silk trench, especially in a light color.

Bottom line in all this, even though I'm rambling, is that only you can know whether this is a worthwhile purchase at this stage in your life. Oh, and I bought a $2000 Mac while I was in grad school, but as a graphic designer and photographer, it was an extremely necessary purchase. Everyone's needs and wants are different.

Wow, what an interesting discussion! When I was in university one of my classmates splurged on a fabulous pair of boots. They were amazingly soft leather with appliqued leather pieces to add interest. She used pretty much all her clothing budget for the year on those boots, but they were spectacular, and I'm sure she felt wonderful every time she wore them. So, while the practical side of me says don't do it, I can't help thinking that if you really love it, then spend the money and enjoy it now. Mind you, I think I would try on every Burberry style going before making your final decision. And check price too - you might be able to get a discount at one of the higher end department stores if you take one of their credit cards, for example.

As your are both financially independent and independent of the responsibilities which come hand in hand with the career (mortgage, car payments, possible kids) and you clearly love the coat why not? I regret not splurging on a Chanel 2.55 when I had the chance seven years ago.

This is an interesting thread and I am really enjoying it. Let me start by saying that I am very practical. When I was young, about your age dissertante, I LOVED Coach bags. They were allot of money for me. So I saved up, did a boat load of research and bought Coach stock - cheap. Now I have the money and more than one nice bag. Sometimes people make comments about the fact I have a few Coach and Brahmin bags...but I just chuckle to myself.

I think that at your age, a big purchase like that, in a precious, hard to care for fabric, is not an investment. You simply don't know where you are going to be or even what your likes and dislikes will be in a few years. This coat is no utility even now. I agree that it is probably worth it for the fabric and craftsmanship.....but so is a Rolex, a great painting and so on. It doesn't mean it is worth it for "you" at this point and time.

MaryK and Taylor have had years of experience, trial and error, and know, very specifically, what will bring them joy and satisfaction : whether Broadway tickets or a Burberry. With that comes the confidence of not caring what others think. IMO, that is true value. We throw the word "investment" around allot, inappropriately. I believe that an "investment" is something that gains monetary value over time OR personal pleasure/value for a loooooooong time.

I also learned a long time ago, for me personally, if something was too precious for me to use and I would be afraid of damaging it or losing it or felt it was too fragile, I simple couldn't enjoy it. Now, I don't mean go out and mucK horse stalls in your coat, but if you are going to worry about leaving it somewhere or keeping it clean or getting caught in the rain with it or keeping it from wrinkling....then maybe it is not worth it. People often feel this way about boats. In the end, maintaining a boat is so much work that they don't enjoy them.

Only you can make that decision.

Dissertante, it sounds like you are a careful and frugal person. I applaud that you have your financial act together. I am the Budget Queen, but even I see what you see in that trench.

First of all, if I saw you on the street (or interviewed you) wearing it, I would just think , "Wow, I really like that trench!" I wouldn't recognize the brand or have any clue how much it cost. Only people that are familiar with luxury brands would be able to pick up on its origin, and they would probably salute you for your choice.

I like the coat because I have very good taste! No facsimile is going to have that particular flattering shade of oyster, the hand of good silk, or the sheen that can turn something from being "soul sucking beige" into something magically luminescent. I have no idea how it would hold up, or if you would be too terrifed to leave it on the back of your chair for even a moment. I don't know what climate you live in or whether it would be practical. Unless you buy a PVC or plastic trenchcoat, nothing is going to be completely waterproof.

I do know that years and years of being *good* and not splurging can erupt into an unexplained desire for something like this, and I think it's a good idea to reward yourself, especially as you complete your studies. Only you can decide if this is what you want to spend your money on, or if you want to spend that much. Do you know where you will be living and working after you finish school? Maybe you can put off your decision until the *trench fever* subsides and you can think clearly. I do have to admit that it is one gorgeous coat!

Lots of wise advise here. Practicing personal discipline & prioritizing are important life skills. But I know several frugal people who can now NOT be frugal even when they can afford nice things, after a lifetime of pinching pennies. So, like everything in life, finding balance is the key. I'm personally having a lot of fun creating wardrobes on Pinterest. I pin wonderful items that I can look at any time. And I often find that the "I can't live without" pieces become much more ho-hum to me over time. And I feel I sort of own them 'cuz they're on my board. For me, it's been a good way to cool my ardor. And best of all, it's totally free.

Such an interesting discussion (and I *love* that there are all differing views represented and yet with no hint of disrespect. What a happy place YLF is).

Can't add anything to the discussion as what I'd say has already been said (and much better) but look forward to seeing what you decide to do.

(Julie I feel your pain...)

Hi Dissertante --

It's been an interesting read!

As mentioned, we all get excited about spending what little or bigger chunks of money we have on different things.

Off the top of my head cars, workout clothes, alcohol all = Things That Don't Excite Me and I Hate Spending Money On...and despite living in a rainy climate I'm afraid raincoats fit in there too. So consider that my disclaimer.

If you are set on loving every detail of the spendy one, coats in a similar style may not come close to floating your boat -- I get it.

However, IF you are considering options I have to say in terms of the fabric Kenneth Cole New York did an iridescent cotton sateen raincoat last year that looks VERY similar to the Burberry. I own it, and I call it "driftwood," though I think the official name was "Stone."

It was done in few different styles then, and the brand has reissued the fabric in new ones. [Definitely single-breasted, possibly double-breasted.] So between eBay/discount and retailers like Nordstrom and Macy's, there are some alternatives out there.

Several YLF members own the 2011 coat I have, but other than April and Beth I can't remember who else did the neutral vs the color-color version. Here's April's thread with a few photos: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....oat-for-me

I'm sure there's something in between KCNY and Burberry out there, too.

Photo 1-2 Front/Back 2012 Kenneth Cole Sateen Walker

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ke.....sultback=0

Photo 3-4 Me in one of last year's KCNY trenches (color in sun and rain)

ps The light color is definitely more of a PITA to keep clean than my black raincoat...lots of mud splashes.

Splurge purchases, which I don't make very often, have been some of my best, and some of my worst, buys. The best are things that make my heart sing every time I see or use them. The worst have been things that I bought because I felt others would approve of my choice.

If a silk Burberry trench is something you would wear to death over the next couple of years--and feel great every time you put it on--then go for it, as long as you can afford the splurge. If you wear the coat constantly over the next six years, it would ultimately cost less than $300/year. It's easy to spend that much every year on less expensive stuff that gets thrown away in the annual closet purge.

Claire has it right. Luxury goods do look and feel different than knockoffs. Fabrics, color, drape, and construction are worlds apart. If you are on a budget and need a practical coat, then this is probably not a wise choice. If, however, it is a garment that you can afford and that makes you feel wonderful every time you wear it, then why not?

interesting discussion. on the whole i didn't have much to say - until i read a couple of dissertante's comments:

"When I asked CS about the coat, they said it water resistant. "

The sole purpose of CS is to get you to buy. Period, end of story. They will tell you anything they think will make you buy. In my experience as a seamstress for decades, silk is not water resistant. They may have treated this silk, in which case the sheen and hand will likely be affected (ie, not so silky). Don't trust any info. you haven't ascertained for yourself in person.

Another point - a piece of clothing or an accessory can be impeccably made, of exquisite quality and still be quite fragile. CS didn't say it was sturdy or water "proof".

"Maybe it's the inability to wear heels/nice shoes that wants to overcompensate and get something nice? "

$200 and some shopping can get you truly outstanding, comfortable, well made shoes that you can wear every week for years and years. Frye, Born, Clarks, Fluevog, etc. - you can get dressy, biker, distressed, heels, flats, neutral, colors........

Take these Fleuvog boots. These particular ones will not be to everyone's taste - but 95% of ladies can wear a low-heeled, dark colored leather boot 2-4 times a week. A well made, comfortable pair will stand up to this type of use for 10-20 years (with care and periodic re-soling). These are $199 - Fluevog has regular, good sales.

http://tinyurl.com/7unl863

My advice, as a 49 year old with a voracious taste for excellent quality and who has always had a very limited budget - if you take your time and do your research, you can have a lot more style and use for your money. You can even have a handful of awesome, sturdy, high quality pieces and still have $1000 for your emergency fund (it isn't wise to underestimate life's ability to throw a monkey wrench at you). And i do agree that it's healthy to splurge regularly! I just define splurge as getting something truly unique and incredible - it doesn't have to involve spending a huge amount of cash. HTH!! steph

Hi Gaylene! "If, however, it is a garment that you can afford and that makes you feel wonderful every time you wear it, then why not? "

while reading this comment i just thought of the obvious thing none of us has brought up -

this splurge could make sense if you already have a good coat that keeps the rain off! steph

Here is my 5 cents for what it is worth.

The original question, should I buy now or later, depends on personal variables. I think it depends on what your financial resources are. If you have the money, and are secure in pretty much always having money, buy what you want and don't worry about it - and certainly don't give a flip if someone else judges you for it! People will always be judging you for SOMEthing. Eff 'em.

However, if you *don't* have unshakable financial resources, the question (unfortunately) becomes more complicated and less fun. Then you really do need to ask yourself, do I need a trench? What kind of trench? For what situations? Where? Will I wear it every day? Can it be washed? Does it match my style? Can I find one used, or a different brand, or different style, that isn't quite so spendy that still gives me that that little rush? Is this item my armor for life, the thing that makes me happy when I put it on or see it in my closet, my personal wardrobe treasure? Or will I kick myself in the butt mentally every time I see it as I eat PB&J for dinner? Only you can decide if these practical concerns rule you, or your heart does. Just be aware that the repercussions for guessing wrongly will not just be emotional, but financial.

That said, I knew some women who dressed very "French" in NYC when we were all in publishing. They had maybe 5 items and all of them were $ and perfect, and they wore them to death, and they looked fab. So, if that's you, even if you don't have a big budget, go for it!

As a side note, I personally find saying that a coat and some PCs are comparable because they cost the same completely unconvincing. One is a tool, the other is a luxury. Pretty sure no one else here is buying it either, so I'd drop it as a convincing argument if you need to make one!

I'm going to answer without reading the other replies.

I got myself into some terrible credit card debt as a young person, which I pulled myself out of -- so of course that colors my response.

I say splurge when you have six months of living expenses in the bank, you have no credit card debt, and you can pay cash for your splurge. Then enjoy the heck out of it with no guilt!

I am so fascinated by this discussion! I am most interested in how we each define what a "splurge" is...I guess I tend to think of one in terms of a percentage of overall income or wealth. Is it oxymoronic to try to think rationally about splurging? Guilty as charged :)! I would have to make A LOT of money and have A LOT of money in the bank to even consider spending close to 2K on an impractical coat. Maybe if I made 500K a year and had that much additionally in savings/investments? Perhaps even more...

I guess I am quite conservative about these sorts of things, despite my deep abiding love for designer clothes! I never would have thought that before this thread (maybe I should show it to my SO so he can see how frugal I am :).

I'm with you, Jonesy. I've never owned anything even close to that expensive--not my wedding ring (no stone; married in grad school!), not my splurge-y boots, not my leather jacket--nothing. We don't make enough money to consider a $1,700 single expenditure: that's not too far off my annual clothing and shoes budget. And so it is for every academic I know. That is what makes me doubt that this kind of garment would even be useful (as opposed to a mark against the wearer) in the university context.

We are at an Ivy League university, btw, and I know a broad range of scholars in the humanities, arts, and sciences, from assistant professors to very senior people. I can't imagine that coat on any of them . . . I see standard Burberry trenches frequently, however, for what it's worth.

Dissertante's mileage may vary. Maybe she has plenty of money saved up and doesn't care whether she is able to wear the coat around work colleagues. If so, that's great--there is certainly value in owning something beautiful that makes your heart sing. But I wouldn't advise this as a versatile purchase that will be useful to a young scholar soon to be on the job market.

hmmmm.... I have read some but not all of the responses. I'll just say I wouldn't splurge on this particular item. FWIW, when I was a senior in college I bought on a whim(like thought about it for less than 20 minutes) a $1500 bracelet. I love it still but don't wear it much, however I think I will go put it on now.

Wow, so many interesting replies!

A few comments come to mind:

a) I do own a sturdy polyester London Fog black trench. It's nice, but I am hoping for something with natural fibers.

b) Water issues and silk: point taken!

c) This coat is also available in black.

d) Clearlyclaire has it exactly: the colour and drape are beautiful. I've been looking at a ton of beige trenches, and they also seem to be of the 'soul-sucking beige' beige (at least, for my complexion). It's the *exact* colour of this coat that I find particular appealing.

These two coats are also nice--one is blue (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bu.....n=category) and therefore not a versatile colour, while the other has interesting pipiing but a seems to be blahish (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bu.....n=category).

I don't own a lot of neutrals because they tend to drain life from my face, hence my excitement for this coat in particular.

e) Admittedly, in response to your comment, Isabel, and similar ones made, I would probably freak out if something happened to this coat or it got a tear. But I'd freak out if I owned an other Burberry, too. The above coats seem less dressy, and maybe that's also a critical factor (the others being cost and durability) in favour of buying my runners up.

f) I live in the Midwest for school, but have no idea where I'll once I graduate (unless I'm employed elsewhere before getting my degree). Back to Canada (Ontario--Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa or Vancouver), or maybe Europe (Paris, London) or Middle East (Jerusalem), hopefully!

Silk does not have to be a delicate, hard-to-care-for fabric. Historically silk has been used for parachutes and airplane wings because it was extremely strong and very light. The Japanese also used silk to construct lightweight, soft body armour. Water resistant (but not water-proof) silk is commonly used for silk scarves. Just like any other natural fibre, silk can be spun, woven, and treated to create many different fabrics.

I'm not sure what kind of silk Burberry is using in its trenches, but I wouldn't automatically assume that the fabric used for a trench had the same characteristics as the silk fabrics used for dresses and lingerie.

I'm going to chime in here and agree with others who have pointed out that this coat is not an investment--it is a splurge. Despite the talk about "investment" clothing, such items don't pay interest and I suspect only increase in value if you become a celebrity and are able to auction them off if they weren't too worn.

Eight years ago I took $1,688 from money I had just inherited from my parents' estate and bought the classic Chanel 1955 bag that I have always wanted. Aside from fine jewelry, that was my most expensive clothing/accessories purchase. Now it sits in my armoire rarely used and I feel bad about it. I feel too prim and proper when I use it and it is a bit too small for my hands and the things I need to carry. I do love it though. Yet I have some regret. Perhaps I should have splurged more and bought a larger size or a different style Chanel bag--but it wouldn't have been "that" bag.

At the end of the day, perhaps you should look into your heart and ask if there is something missing in your life, some need, that this item might be a substitute for. I will be looking to see what your final decision is.

To clarify, I wouldn't consider this to be an investment piece--I only suggested that it depreciates less than computers/electronics (ie why are computers/electronics acceptable items to splurge on, but clothing items are not, when inevitably, the former depreciate faster than cars).

I appreciate the question of whether this is filling a void of some kind, but I don't think it is. I look at it for what it is BEFORE the price tag (a stunning coat)--the price tag does not contribute to the meaning ("luxury") of the coat for me. Clearlyclaire summarized the point better than I could.

My fashion aims are to streamline my wardrobe into something versatile with good quality basics. My experience living abroad taught me that I had way too much clothing at home, but was lacking in some simple, versatile pieces that ultimately change an outfit for the better. I see this coat, among other things, as belonging in this category.