Looking at the Coat Closet..

Happy 2019. It’s chilly here in Northern California and though I was lucky to get away to Hawaii during the holidays, it feels colder than usual back here in Northern Cal. With the cold weather and the rain, we are stuck indoors, so I like to start the new year by taking stock, purging and cleaning out. The first place I usually begin is with the entry coat closet! Any coats we haven’t worn as of yet this season could go and are just taking up space. (No not sparking joy either.) Some of my own were looking a bit shabby, one had a moth hole, and another just was beginning to fit tight. (I have no idea why that could be happening! – Another thing to work on in the coming year.)

My quick coat closet survey helped me realize that many of the coats we have could be donated. (Look for a One Warm Coat donation spot in your area to help those who need warm things now.) I noted that even me, who shops pretty often, could use some upgraded outerwear. Have you noticed long coats are back? I do love a nice coat and yes even here in California it’s nice to not wear fleece or a puffer all the time. It’s easy to get into that habit, but it can look too casual and has not a lot of style. The other thing is a nice structured coat can give you a better look overall, and a more streamlined silhouette.

Coats take a beating and it’s worth it to refresh every few years or so. This is the time to get a good coat and even a few deals, as we all know spring clothes will be in the stores before Valentines is even here and those after Christmas markdowns are already happening. Coats will be harder to find in month and if you don’t do it now, there you will be next year with a closet full of shabby coats that fit poorly that you should have purged. Right? Okay so let’s do this! You need one or two nice coats that look updated and are flattering.

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You could also check your local shops too. (You know I love to support local small businesses!) I just found the Emerson Fry coat above at my favorite new local boutique called Parker in Willow Glen. I am having fun with this coat styling it different ways. (Check out Parker when you can. Brenda is the owner and has a great eye and packs a lot of stylish options in a small shop in the old Garden Theater mall.)

Nothing makes you look more put together than a nice jacket or coat. Get rid of anything shlumpy, faded, fraying and just plain outdated! Think you are going to sew that button on? If you haven’t done it, maybe donate it instead. Are you cold? Many of the newer coats have some terrific insulating materials and the older I get, the more I care about warmth as well. Below are just a few of my favorites online right now.