Merrell Chelsea Trench : For Urban Ladies

There are times when living in Seattle drives me crazy, but it's never because of the rain.

I say, "bring it on." Why? Because if I want to hike I have plenty of quality rain gear... and the rest of the time, I have some of pretty hip quality rain gear for around town, such as Merrell's Chelsea Trench.

April rains were no problem for me because my Chelsea trench is made out of a super thin and lightweight seam-sealed, breathable, waterproof material. I would expect these features in any rain coat, but was happy to find some nice extras, too:

• The collar buttons up straight and tall, so I get great weather protect around my neck. If I need it, there's a fold-out hood contained in a zippered pouch in the back of the collar. (Thanks to the thin material, the packed-in hood doesn't make the collar visibly bulky. I like that.)

• The trench has the requisite side pockets, which are discreetly hidden under a rain flap and have waterproof zippers, as well as a small chest pocket for a passport or other small, flat item. Because all of the pockets are made out of mesh, they help keep the jacket light and very packable for travel.

• The main zip keeps water out with a protective flap under the zipper as well as with a wide velcro-sealed overflap.

What I love about the Chelsea Trench is the design. This slim-styled black mid-length jacket separates me from the crowd. Around here, wearing gear--whether fleece or rain shell--everywhere is the mode. But I'm fancier than that. I like a trench that traces my body's curves, has nice long sleeves, and let's people know that first and foremost, I am a lady to be reckoned with.

I like how the sleeves taper and have a wide fabric strap with two wrist size adjustments. Best of all--no velcro to snag my clothes or accessories--the wrist strap uses old-fashioned snaps!! This design feature is repeated in the back of the trench, where a wide snap-to-close belt allows me to adjust the tightness of the waist. A single snap in the middle of the back hem allows me to open up the back vent for more flow or close it when weather arrives.

As a decorative measure, Merrell adds a gray contrast screen print of flowers on the lower corner of the back of the jacket. I didn't even notice it until a friend saw it and liked it. Personally, for fashion reasons I'd rather not have designs or logos on my clothes (the Merrell logo is located on the chest, but it's dark gray so not very visible), but these are small concessions to make for a jacket I love, love, love wearing.

Available in sizes XS-XL, colors black or light khaki (it looks like "stone" on the web site images).

Bottom Line: I adores my black lady trench. I love the longer length for better water protection than most of my hiking jackets, and it makes me feel good to feel attractive when the weather is lousy and everyone around me is hunching into their royal blue rain jackets.---E.D. (May 09)

Price : $159 (purchase at onlineshoes.com - click on icon below)

Manufacturer's Site : www.merrell.com

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