Uh... I don't think you can help me.

I'm still adjusting to the constant varying temperatures in Denver. I just can't get a handle on the 'dress in layers' theory. Even in the summer. If you're wearing a sundress or shorts and a tank top - you have to bring a jacket if you are staying out past 5:30 - I just can't buy enough light sweaters to go with every outfit.

I think most women in Colorado manage with clothes from REI. This doesn't work for me. I was raised in the Midwest. Everything has to be an outfit. I need to look cute and I don't feel cute in t-shirts and fleece. (in the Midwest, I could wear one outfit all day long. if it was 95 degrees when you left the house, it won't be any cooler than 90 after dark! Plus the humidity held the heat around me like a shawl. I must be the only person who really appreciates humidity for that reason!)

So in lieu of matching sweaters and hoards of fashionable jackets I carry a wrap or pashmina with me nearly all times. It's just enough to wrap around my shoulders to ward off the chill when the sun dips behind the mountains (or if a place happens to be air conditioned).

Still, in the quest for having the right jacket or cover for all occasions, I decided I needed a cute trench coat for spring. It would be perfect for church or anything bordering on slightly formal.

I looked all over town. It had to be affordable since my job situation is tight. Both TJMaxx and Ross had moved on from jacket season so no luck there. I saw a really cute trench in the window of Ann Taylor Loft, but it was about $190 and it wasn't very flattering for my figure.

So I went to the outlet mall and poked into a few stores.

In one of them, a young sales girl came up to help and asked what I was looking for. "I'm looking for a light weight spring trench." said I.

When she replied with, "What do you mean?" I was stymied.

Light. Spring. Trench.

I'm plum out of descriptors there sweetie. If you don't know what I'm talking about - you probably shouldn't be working in clothing.

I just stood there for a while trying to think of another way to say it, then I repeated, "A light weight spring trench coat."

"Oh. Like a trench coat?"

Oh boy.

this picture is just a diagram. I ended up finding something really cute at Kohl's - and ended up spending under $25! Whoo hoo. Maybe I'll take a photo of it... I can't find it online.