Fashion U-Taupe-ia

If New York is a city of black coats, then Chicago is a city of taupe.

I can’t begin to count how many trench coats—running the gamut from white through stone to taupe—that I saw on the street and in cafes, and I found them all to be absolutely chic.

My own trench is navy, but I’m seriously thinking about investing in a taupe version. It will remind me so much of Catherine Deneuve in Umbrellas, that I just might break out in song.

And if I’m truly in the taupe zone, why, I simply should accessorize said trench with one of Hermes’ beautiful new taupe bags (truly a lovely shade, and which seems to be available only in-store).

Then, to taupe off the look, I’d select this pair of shoes:

I didn’t care for them when I saw them online, but in person the effect is so very different! I also like the juxtaposition of the prim trench with the beading, textured leather, and feathers . . .

And --ohh!--Tommy Ton has just taken some fab shots of variations on this shoe over at his place.

By the way, what color is your trench?