For those of you who were here back in 2010, you’ll remember I tried my hand modding my Banana Republic Classic Trench Coat (https://crewlade.com/2010/09/banana-republic-classic-trench-coat/). It was the classic black, but the buttons were black too, and made the coat feel rather dull.

I always had a thing for gold hardware against dark colors, and had been looking for black coats with gold buttons for a while when the idea of DIY popped into my head. So I bought a bunch of gold buttons online and for the first time ever, tried my hand at sewing on the new buttons. It was nerve-wrecking to cut off these perfectly sewn on Banana Republic buttons, especially knowing I could totally not be able to make the gold buttons work and then I would have messed up a beautiful classic trench.

Well, I’d say it made a big difference. It made the coat that much more visually interesting, and it was great knowing I had a somewhat one-of-a-kind coat. So this year, when I spotted that J.Crew now has the uber-awesome Icon Trench in Wool-Cashmere in Black, the same thought popped into my head.

What a great classic coat — if you added gold or brass buttons, it would totally change the vibe. It may be much more military style, more chic? Since J.Crew has sold out of my size, I haven’t had a chance yet to try this out, but for those of you lucky enough to have snagged one, here’s what it could look like (pardon my crappy Photoshop skills).

Totally different, right? I do like the original version for how sleek it looks, but with gold buttons it definitely gives it an extra oomph. If you’d like to try your hand at this, you can get the J.Crew Icon Trench Coat here from J.Crew.

With J.Crew’s 25% off full-price items & 30% off final sale items promo, I’m wondering if I should pull the trigger on a few items on my wishlist. Which have you tried on and which would you recommend as a worthwhile purchase?

J.Crew Icon Trench in Wool-Cashmere – Black

I actually own this trench in the camel color from a few seasons ago. It’s absolutely one of my favorite coats ever, and definitely my go-to coat for Fall (and as much Winter as I can possibly squeeze out before I freeze to death). I’ve gotten countless compliments on it, mostly around the fact that it imbues a lot of class and elegance. This is the first season it’s come in Black as far as I know, which is exciting since I remember back when I first purchased it, I had also wanted it in this oh-so-slimming color. Guess I wasn’t alone! It’s a little pricey, sure, but a great investment and I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of it. If you like it too, you can get it here.

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Houndstooth

Like every other J.Crew fan, I also own the classic schoolboy blazer in the classic navy color. I haven’t really found any other blazer that’s as preppy chic and flattering as J.Crew’s schoolboy blazer. With Fall here, I can’t get enough of houndstooth, so this blazer is just the perfect combination. I also love, love the gold buttons and the orange collar. What great pops of color that take this classic up a notch. Question is, do we think this will make it to sale? Though 25% off at this point is already not a bad deal…if you love this too, you can get it here.

J.Crew Lambswool Shirttail Sweater

This sweater was made for people like me. I always thought layering a sweater on top of a crisp white button-down shirt was uber chic and made you look so polished, but I absolutely hated pulling a sweater over a shirt. The sleeves get all bunched up or twisted inside the sweater sleeves, you always have unevenness or possible bunching on the inside somewhere, and it’s just an overall mess. This shirttail sweater is made for the lazy-but-wannabe-chic people like me, where you get the undershirt look without any of the effort. From the reviews, it seems like a piece to be tried on in person to determine whether this is a good fit, so I’d recommend that. Check it out here.

J.Crew Zip-Pocket Mini in Tweed

This skirt’s tweed material seems really similar to the houndstooth in the schoolboy blazer above, so of course I love it. It’s quintessential Fall, and I love it paired with that shirttail sweater and riding boots. The only downside of these tweed/houndstooth skirts is that it’s kind of an one-season skirt, not exactly appropriate for spring/summer, but that is part of its appeal as the quintessential Fall material. Get yours here.

Have you tried on any of these? What are you getting during this promo?