Coats for A/W 10 - almost too many trends to choose from!

This time last year, I was beginning to think about outerwear for the next season.  I needed to replace what I referred to as my "school coat" the one I wear on the school runs every day and it had to fit a certain criteria.  A classic puffa style, long enough to stop my back getting cold and having a hood was a prerequisite as I hate having to use an umberella, especially when it is raining and blustery, nothing drives me nuts more than an umberella turning inside out!  After much searching during September, which included every online retailer known to man, a walk the length and breadth of Oxford Street, a slight wobble when I nearly purchased a Burberry one from NAP that didn't have a hood, John Lewis added some more stock in October and I got the coat I was looking for. Filled with Down, a great quality garment for only £85 and I have to say it still looks like new, so was a good choice.
Then a friend came to visit in a gorgeous leather jacket which I was convinced she had bought from "All Saints" for about £200, so you can imagine that I nearly fainted when she said it was from Select and as soon as she left, I was straight online and bought one, only to find it was actually £10 cheaper than she had paid for hers - a real bargain at £50 and not the horrible stiff leather you would expect for that money, no it was really lovely and soft and just gets better with age. A couple of my blogging besties, also invested £50 and treated themselves, I love to spread the Bargain Love!  You can see both of them here.

As winter was drawing to a close and I was waiting for my tulips to bloom, I did a review for Isabella Oliver and not from their spring and summer range which had just been released, I had decided I really wanted a Cape.  Luckily the gorgeous people at IO had one in my size going out on a shoot, but I was sent it when it returned and was totally over the moon with it.  I wore it everyday until I was far too hot and have spent the summer looking forward to having the opportunity to wear it again when the weather gets colder.

After the arrival of the Cape, I decided all I needed now to complete my outerwear collection was a Pea Coat.  I have always wanted one and thought that A/W 10 would be the season that I took the plunge and invested in one (just like Kate) and although I do still want one, I find that this season there are just so many trends around for coats, that I actually need about five!

So first up we have the Pea Coat.  A classic timeless style, which I always think of as the winter version of the trench.

Burberry Black Peacoat a blend of wool and cashmere for £395 from net-a-porter

The Autumn and Winter season continues to embrace Khaki and the Military trend lives on with this super coat..

by Belstaff  £845 from Matches

Khaki makes a big appearance not just with military coats but also in the form of Parkas, many being fur lined giving extra warmth on colder days. 

My favourite is this one by Boden with a fur lining and its waterproof!

A more purse friendly £130 Boden

I fell in love with the Camel colour coats seen at Micheal Kors back in February and you can find camel coloured shearling coats, pea coats and military styles which give you the opportunity to encompass two trends in one!  but if looking for more classic styling then I would opt for this one..

Double Breasted Coat by Sportmax £598 from Matches a real wardrobe staple if ever there was one!

When its really cold and you want to be "snug as a bug in a rug" this season see's two gorgeous options -  Shearling and Rabbit Fur.

Gone are the days when you spent £40 on a Coney (Rabbit) Fur coat as I did at the age of 19.  This season sees Coney coats topping the £1,500 mark, like this black one by Isabel Marant..

£1,620 from net-a-porter

My shearling option would be from DVF

I can't tell you how much I want this in my wardrobe! £1,659 from Matches

Choosing the Cape from Isabella Oliver was a wise choice as they are also a massive trend this season.  Mine is black but you can choose any colour, I am also loving Capes in Khaki (DVF) and Camel (Asos) but if you are looking for classic styling and great quality then try this seasons version from IO....

The Cape comes in 3 colours, black (as pictured)  winter white and red if you want to stand out from the crowd!  £219 from Isabella Oliver where you can currently get free express shipping when you spend over £139 - see website for details.

So there you have it girls, a round up of the new season coat options available - sadly I want them all which is rather strange as the sun is shining and I'm having a hot flush I as type!

Are you planning on buying a new winter coat?  If so, what have you got your eye on?