WINTER COATS

Although it is officially autumn, we've had such a lot of storms coming in across the Atlantic in the last couple of months that it often feels very wintry. Time to bring out the heavy brigade - and by that I mean winter coats.  No more coatigans and lightweight jackets, we're now in full cosy mode!

First up is Anne C who is actually wearing a lighter weight bright red collarless coat from Florence & Fred at Tesco, but she got it in a slightly bigger size so she can wear a proper woolly jumper underneath. The statement sleeves are slightly bell-shaped, so ok for this time of year but not when it is snowing and you need straight sleeves so the wind doesn't blow up them!
 

She has accessorised with an inexpensive leopard-print scarf from Dunnes stores.

Anne has teamed the coat with black Joseph Ribkoff jeans bought on a cruise a couple of years ago, which are not denim, though very stretchy so have fortunately kept their colour.The studded, heeled boots are from Office, so no longer available, but MissGuided has some similar ones in their sale here. Being truthful, the boots are fine for walking from car to bar, but very uncomfortable for shopping in.

Anne H acquired her fabulous alpaca mix coat from her blogger daughter's wardrobe.  Lizzy writes  Shot from the Street and Anne runs her Depop shop for her.  This was headed for the shop but somehow got sidetracked into Anne's wardrobe (what a surprise!) but we don't blame her!

The beautiful caramel coat is from Jaeger and is 70% Alpaca and 30% wool, so a lovely soft touch and cosy to wear.  The unusual half belt design is a real design feature and more flattering than a full belt which Anne finds can make her feel bundled up, leaving her looking like a sack of potatoes.  

It was originally an eyewatering £499 but then marked down to £250.  It currently appears as coming soon on the website, so might be one that they will re-stock.  Even at the full price, we think it is a worthwhile investment as the design is a classic that will never date and the material and finish is top quality, so she's hoping Lizzy doesn't see this and ask for it back.

She has teamed with beige trousers from Zara that she has had for an age and a striped blouse from Massimo Dutti that will feature in detail in a post soon.  Her shoes are a budget buy at only £19.50 from M&S and really go well with the trousers. 

The pretty lilac wool coat is from Mango - a shop we never normally go into, but ever on the look-out for colour, Anne spotted this as she cut through a shopping arcade on her way somewhere else! As it's new, it is still on their website, and also comes in pale blue. They actually had some very nice coats this season, but truly, she doesn't need any more!

It is such a very pretty colour and will take her right through to Spring next year.  The unusual sleeve feature includes a pearl pin on each arm.

She has matched it with an almost same colour scarf which she already had, dark indigo jeans from Tesco, and navy suede boots from Primark.

We both have quite different styles and tastes in clothes, but we both agree that you can mix and match quality items with cheaper purchases and still look good.  Not all fashion is made to last, but I think comfort is very much underrated in the fashion world.  Fashion comes and goes but style stays with you, particularly if you stick with a classic design.