My name is Laurel and I am a coat-a-holic. It feels good to confess. Much as I adore summer, this is the season my wardrobe comes into its own, mostly because of my disproportionate collection of outerwear.
The days of having one winter coat are long gone, at least for me anyway. Every October my thoughts turn to new coat purchases, totally unnecessary really given the existing collection...
1. An old faithful Gap navy peacoat, somewhat threadbare but holding out until I can afford a J.Crew replacement
2. A green tartan-style Paul Costelloe number, in dire need of a new lining
3. A beautiful camel Tommy Hilfiger crombie, purchased on my 30th birthday trip to New York
4. Another camel, this time Ralph Lauren, shawl collar wrap coat, 100% wool, 100% bargain - £120 down from £460 in TK Maxx
5. A proper Del Boy sheepskin affair, found in Rokit vintage, perfect condition, for £30
And that's not even counting the jackets (Barbour, leather, Mackintosh, M&S boiled wool - camel again...). Yes yes, I know it's a lot, but outerwear is as much as part of an outfit as the rest of the outfit. Which is why, despite the list, there's always just a [/i]little[/i] part of me that wants a new one...
Top of my wish list EVERY year is a piece from Celtic & Co.. Their sheepskin is TO DIE FOR. Seriously. Wait until you see it. With a highly covetable collection including a reversible sheepskin parka and full length hooded Toscana coat, this year they've also collaborated with fashion designer Karl Donoghue on a collection, including a sheepskin peacoat. My money's on vintage flying jacket, though at £995 it might be a couple of years until I get my hands on one. www.celticandco.com
J.Crew is up there amongst my coat queens, in case you couldn't tell, I have a penchant for an American brand and this is one that can do no wrong. Their navy Majesty peacoat is still on my shopping list, but it's this fuchsia diamond tweed number that caught my eye at this year's AW16 press day. Pink is everywhere this winter, try as you might you can't escape it, so you may as well embrace it. Undoubtedly a thing of beauty, be quick - there's only a few sizes left online. £398 at www.jcrew.com/uk
Part of me has always wanted a leopard print coat. It's a truth universally acknowledged that leopard is a neutral (no joke), so instead of boring black one might as well invest in something with a bit more chutzpah. Bravo River Island for creating this sterling number and for a bargain basement £80 at that. High five. www.riverisland.com
Love Laurel x
