New Coat

In sunny San Diego you rarely need a coat. But being a native surprisingly enough I love the fall weather and getting an awesome new coat. For the last few years I haven't needed one.  But this year I am 25lbs slimmer than the last time I bought a coat almost a year ago (hell yea!).  My current favorite wool coat is a boiled green wool cropped peacoat from the gap.  I also have a black full length dress style coat from H&M.  Both of which I hate to get rid of and I am seriously contemplating taking them to a tailor to get reworked because I love the versatility of both of them.  In my coat repertoire I have a few blazers, sweater coats, and lightweight jackets.  Don't get me wrong I love California living and our-year-round-perfect-weather but for the few blustery days we do get nothing thrills me more than the feel of wool and frilly scarf around my neck. 

Style guidelines for my new coat:
1. The most important criteria...it must be affordable.  Since I do live in a warm weather climate there is no reason to spend a fortune on something I only wear a small percentage of the year.
2.  It has to have a great shape.  I have an hourglass shape and want something to accentuate that and still provide some element of warmth.  Everyone has different body proportions and must work within those parameters. Don't try to convince yourself that you need something if it isn't right for your body.
3.  If at all possible it needs to be multipurpose.  Meaning, it can take me to work, weekend errands, and even out at night.  I know that is a lot to ask from a coat, but when in doubt refer to rule number one.
4.  It must fit into my daily life. I know this sounds a little odd.  But there are coats out there that appear adorable on the hanger, enchant you in the dressing room, and once hanging in your closet mock you for your bad choices and leave you with buyers remorse.  I happen to have several items like this in my closet (you know the ones that still have tags on them...too good of a deal to pass up. It's okay we all do it).  Plus, a coat should work well with existing pieces. You'll be incorporating it into your daily wardrobe it has to be right.  Overall it must fit in with your style. Whether it be bohemian or preppy.. there is a coat out there for you. 

Here are some options I'm considering...

This little number is from the gap and is in my favorite color...RED!  Its similar to my emerald green favorite.  I tend to sway/bolt toward tailored peacoats that give a nice carved out waistline.

Last week I had an hour to wander before my bridesmaid dress fitting and I walked into the newly remodeled Old Navy in mission valley.  And I spotted this little coat.  Very nice and less than a hundred bucks. 

I have loved this coat from Victoria's Secret for a few seasons now.  And I just got a belated birthday gift card in the mail, thanks L!  So my new coat could be coming from VS!

This one  from VS is adorable too. More likely to suit more of my daily needs. La Jolla weather is finicky.  Sometimes hot, sometimes blustery...always overcast.  I really like the side tabs that create a nice girly shape.  The last thing any girl wants to be is compared to the Michelin man.   This is the main reason I stay away from puffy coats. 

Purple is such a hot color this season and this is a great silhouette.  And a major plus for this coat is that it comes in a variety of colors, twelve to be exact, including the above plum plaid, and sugared violet plaid.  Best of all its $99!

We'll see which one gets my vote or if I just end up at my favorite inexpensive coat shop...H&M.  Although they are a 'bargain retailer' (seriously...anyone who charges $90 for boots that aren't leather is not a bargain retailer..I'm just sayin') they have an amazing selection of well priced coats that walk the fine line of trendy and seasonless.  They incorporate the feminine shape in everything they do.  Unfortunately they don't have an online shopping site in the US...therefore no pictures.  BOO!  But, they are in most malls in the greater U.S., so go shopping and find your new special coat to keep you warm this winter!